Formby Library Future Under Review

<strong>Summary:</strong> Sefton Councillors chose option B which should ensure the future of Formby Library, but others will close elsewhere in Sefton. The consultation about this decision begins on 29 October.

<script src="storify.com/formbyvillage/the-libraries-future-debate.js"></script><noscript>[<a href="storify.com/formbyvillage/the-libraries-future-debate" target="_blank">View the story "The Libraries Future Debate" on Storify</a>]<h1>The Libraries Future Debate</h1>

<h2>This is a sequence of tweets live from the Bootle Town Hall as Sefton Cabinet Members debate the future of all Sefton's libraries, by @joe_thomas18</h2>
<p>Storified by Formby Village &middot; Thu, Oct 11 2012 03:59:32</p>

<div>This is how Joe Thomas descrbed progress of the meeting from the start of the discussion.</div>

<div>Now for the most contentious issue, librariesJoe Thomas</div>
<div>Churchtown cllr Nigel Ashton is speaking out v that library closingJoe Thomas</div>
<div>There are clearly members of the public attending the meeting from the following comment. Cllr Nigel Ashton represents Meols Ward and is a Liberal Democrat.</div>
<div>Cllr ashton clapped by small audience for call to save all librariesJoe Thomas</div>
<div>Cllr Peter Dowd is the Council Leader and a member of the Labour Party</div>
<div>Council leader Peter Dowd: it is right this subject raises concerns and passionsJoe Thomas</div>
<div>Whatever option is decided upon will lead to more public consultation before final decision Joe Thomas</div>
<div>Details in the report covered a wide range of factors.</div>
<div>Council: social demographics, geography, transport formed library reportJoe Thomas</div>
<div>10 libraries threatened 'in varying states of disrepair'Joe Thomas</div><div>This is the outcome of the debate.</div>
<div>Option b agreed: to consult on closure of 7 libraries over next 2 yearsJoe Thomas</div>
<div><b>The following is an extract from the report</b>

<br>Option B<br>6.7 This option is based on the following criteria:<br>• Geographical spread and consideration of the main townships ofSefton. Due to the geography of Sefton there is no one township thatcan be considered to be the central location for Sefton.<b><i> It is generally</i></b><b><i>accepted that there are five main townships in the Borough i.e. Bootle,</i></b><b><i>Crosby, Formby, Maghull and Southport, </i></b>with a number of othersmaller district areas.<br>• Co-location. Co-location is considered important as it not only bringseconomies of scale and efficiencies but also benefits users who haveimproved access to library and other Council services.<br>• A detailed local needs analysis of the communities, usage and costsfor each library plus analysis from the public engagement.<br>
6.8 <b>This option proposes that there will be a library in each of the five townships</b><b>of Sefton plus the existing co-located facility in Netherton.</b> This option wouldinvolve a programmed closure of 7 libraries over two years with thepossibility of developing a network of book collection &amp; return points acrossthe Borough in other Council &amp; partner buildings, plus a review of the homevisits service for the most vulnerable as mitigation for closed libraries and anextension in other areas where there is currently no provision......<br>
<i>(My highlighting)</i><br>
<br></div><div>Consultation planned to begin oct 29 and last until january 14Joe Thomas</div><div>cllr Dowd urges people to have their say and raise other ideas for considerationJoe Thomas</div></noscript>

Sefton MBC Cabinet are meeting at Bootle Town Hall to consider the future of Formby Library.