KCC to slash library services to the Golden Valley by half

Local Lib Dem Gary Fuller has reacted with shock at Kent County Council's (KCC) plans to halve the number of mobile library visits to the Golden Valley. In a consultation document, published this month, KCC propose to reduce the frequency of mobile library visits to the Valley from weekly to fortnightly. Commenting on the plans, Gary said:

"They're literally halving the service to the Valley. Given that the only way to get to Cheriton Library direct by bus is to walk to Taylor Road, and the only way to get to Sandgate Library is also to walk, this is totally unacceptable for the elderly/vulnerable residents of the Valley with mobility problems.

The consultation includes an equality impact assessment, which suggests that the changes will be mitigated by promoting 'the fact that they can take out up to 30 books/items to cover the period between stops'. That's hardly an acceptable compromise given that so many books would be difficult for most people to carry.

Mobile libraries aren't just about supplying books though. They offer a vital opportunity for people who may be isolated, especially where this is compounded by a lack of good public transport, to meet people and socialise. That's certainly the case in the Valley, which has worse public transport links than rural villages like Elham on Sundays and Bank Holidays."

Gary has responded to the consultation, which closes on March 4th, to raise his concerns and is urging all local residents to do so as well. You can respond online at http://consultations.kent.gov.uk/consult.ti/mobilelibraries/respondByQuestionnaire and download a copy of the consultation documents and questionnaire at http://consultations.kent.gov.uk/consult.ti/mobilelibraries/consultationHome.