I am urgently seeking clarification on ‘updates to original proposals, our leisure and culture services provider [SLLC] is withdrawing from five libraries not seven’.

That’s news to SNP South Lanarkshire Councillors!

Plans to close or ‘reprovision’ 7 libraries must be halted.
We must use additional SG funding to reimagine our fantastic library services working with our communities & taking a community planning, place based approach.

Labour must halt the closure of our local libraries, the library at Hillhouse is a life line for many people, they should not suffer because of Labour cuts. #SaveOurLibraries

The second national body representing libraries to write to the SLC #Labour leader in the past week voicing concerns. #SaveOurLibraries

Labour-led South Lanarkshire Council didn't carry out an equality impact assessment before deciding to axe a handful of libraries, some in the most deprived areas. It now appears they haven't told councillors about updated plans.

They should reverse these cuts & listen to reason

Sorry state of affairs when the Scottish Library and Information Council feel the need to send a 'no punches pulled' letter to the SLC council leader warning against the devastating cuts to library services and laying the blame firmly at his door 👇 #SaveOurLibraries

If you want access to public libraries to remain - make your voice heard! 📢🙏

The SNP will continue to fight for our libraries 📚

Stop the cuts in South Lanarkshire ✋🛑

#librariesforall
#priorities

“If he won’t listen to us, hopefully he’ll listen to this expert, independent research”

(14/14)

“I’ve already tried to raise my concerns about the impact of the closures, and ask questions on behalf of my constituents, by writing to Cllr Fagan and was basically told
to go and put my questions to council officers.”

(13/14)

“SLIC’s research exposes the Administration’s plans as the sham they are – they have failed to ask questions, failed to act responsibly with public money, failed to seek legal advice, and are failing the residents of South Lanarkshire.”

(12/14)

“…which she points out from SLIC’s experience would barely cover the relocation of one library, let alone supporting “alternative” provision for seven.”

(11/14)

“I completely agree with the Ms Tulloch’s characterisation of the ‘grandstanding words’ Councillor Fagan has been using to describe the so-called Future Libraries Fund…”

(10/14)

“…and SLIC’s research shows that rural schools are expressing concerns about the lack of access to reading materials for children. Other communities’ services are now standing at the cliff edge, and this can’t continue.”

(9/14)

Our Education spokesperson Cllr Katy Loudon said:

“We’ve already lost mobile library provision, we’ve already lost school librarians through the Administration’s budget…”

(8/14)

“The council leader and his coalition partners can no longer ignore their statutory duties, the expressed priorities of the public and the needs of our communities.”

(7/14)

“South Lanarkshire is the only local authority in Scotland facing cuts to library services this year and it is now absolutely clear there is no evidence to support that decision.”

(6/14)

“Instead, the Administration continue to hand over vast sums of money to the Leisure Trust and ignore what SLIC have described as “alarm bells” about how that service is being managed under a business model that is “not fit for purpose.”

(5/14)

“Cllr Fagan is the architect of this decline – when he leaked confidential information for political gain, for which he was sanctioned by the Standards Commission, work on
looking at the future of libraries and developing a long-term strategy, ground to a halt.”

(4/14)

Our Depute Leader, Councillor Maureen Chalmers had this to say:

“SLIC’s conclusions about the state of library services in South Lanarkshire could not be clearer, and they pull no punches in putting the ball firmly in the Administration’s
Court to sort this mess out.”

(3/14)

The CEO of the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) has written to the Council Leader warning that South Lan is set to be left with the “worst public library provision in Scotland” if planned cuts go ahead.

The SNP will continue to fight for our libraries.

(1/14)🧵👇