Campaign launched to save under-threat library

Cllr Ian Watkinson, Cllr Dave Wooldridge, County Cllr Sue Prynn, Cllr Dave Bennett in Kingsfold Library

The facility, in Hawkesbury Drive, is under threat as Lancashire County Council looks to save £262m by 2020.

Local councillors are urging people to enter consultations on the budget with LCC before Sunday’s deadline, and residents have launched a petition signed by 600 people.

Town Councillor David Wooldridge said: “Kingsfold library is a hub for the community for all Penwortham people and is in the centre of the shopping area in Kingsfold supported by good parking facilities.

“It’s also an important place for disabled people who come and use the computers there to access their Blue Badges and get help from the staff. Many other sessions run there too including courses to research your family tree.

“It’s essential we keep Kingsfold library going and we are supporting the many residents who have signed the local petitions to keep it open.”

Barrister Christine Hendrickson-Isaacs started the petition.

She said: “LCC have a duty to help the vulnerable.

“This library is the heartbeat of our village and it’s even saved lives. A 17-year-old girl came in with self-harming scars and through the library she was able to access all the help she needed.

“It’s a false economy to shut this place, because there will be more depression and isolation and more pressure will be put on GP services.”

Councillors have made contact with businesses and voluntary groups. They are keen to create community hubs where services from axed buildings can be transferred to.

County Coun Sue Prynn said: “Everyone is aware of the horrendous financial situation the County Council has been placed in and people know we can’t keep everything.

“However what we can say is that we will try our best to look at new ways to deliver services, listen to people’s views on which services are most important to them and then plan our way forward within the obvious budget constraints.”

Take part in consultations by visiting www.lancashire.gov.uk and clicking on ‘budget poprosal consultation’ in the Most Popular section.

Sign the petition by visiting Kingsfold Library.