Conservatives cut mobile library services

12.56.17pm GMT Thu 8th Mar 2007

Despite overwhelming public objections, Conservatives at Essex County Council have voted to reduce mobile library services across the county. A recent public consultation showed that 80% of respondents wanted the service to continue as at present. Now, mobile library stops more than two miles by public transport from a static library will remain but only call fortnightly.

Those below the two mile distance are subject to review with the local County Councillor being involved in deciding if there are special circumstances to allow it to continue. Therefore most mobiles in the Chelmsford town area are still under threat.

Mrs Thompson of Duffield Road, who uses the Sawkins Avenue mobile library, told Great Baddow Lib Dem Cllr. Jannetta Sosin, "We do not want this service to end. Elderly people could not get to a static library carrying four heavy books."