Local Conservatives have slammed Labour plans to cut library services across Sutton Coldfield.
Plans have been revealed to close Sutton Coldfield Central Library, along with reductions at other community sites, in a move that will decimate the service across the area.
Speaking about the plans Councillor Ewan Mackey said “Labour have consistently wasted money on vanity projects and through bad management. Now we can see that our basic services are the casualties of Labours economic incompetence”
Since Labour’s budget plans for this year came into effect a £37 million black hole of debt has developed with campaigners arguing that this vital community service is only threatened because Birmingham’s Labour Council is unable to stick to its own budget!
Councillor Mackey added “We do not agree that these plans are the answer, our alternative budget enabled all Birmingham’s Libraries to stay open but if the current site is too expensive why not relocate the library to somewhere like our Town Hall, this will give the Town Hall a much needed income stream and protect an important public service!”
A petition has now been launched to save the libraries and local Conservatives have urged people to make their feelings known.
Those wishing to sign the petition should go to https://www.change.org/p/birmingham-city-council-save-sutton-coldfield-libraries