A WAR of words broke out last night at a council meeting as a young Homesteads Tory councillor suggested that one of the Stanford-le-Hope libraries could be looked at for possible closure.
Homesteads councillor, James Halden was speaking at the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee where all the issues surrounding the Emergency Budget were being discussed.
Last week it had been agreed that the Chafford Hundred library, ear-marked for closure would remain open for three half days.
Portfolio Holder, cllr Lyn Worrall reminded the committee that although the library had the third highest footfall in the borough, it had the lowest number of adult books taken out of the library.
Cllr Halden said: “It is only a suggestion but an area like Stanford “area” has two libraries in close proximity. Could we not look there? Chafford’s footfall is still a very high figure.”
Stanford councillor and former leader Terry Hipsey was clearly incensed at the suggestion. He said: “I hope that comment from the Homesteads councillor has been minuted. The suggestion that the very popular Stanford and Corringham libraries could be closed is outrageous.”
Cllr Halden replied: “I only refer to Stanford as it is an area that I know. I am not referring to Tilbury as I do not know the area. I am not saying close libraries, I am saying that we should look at all areas.”
I hope Councillor Terry hipsey shows similar outrage at the cuts proposed to his local libaryservice by Norfolk County Council.