Steyning Supports Local Library Staff

Local residents have made it clear that they would not accept reductions in professional staffing levels at Steyning library - or a reduction in its opening hours.

Voicing opinion at October’s public meeting - organised by Steyning Parish Council as an open-forum debate on the future of the library - residents were unanimous in their support for library staff.

In the latest round of cost savings by West Sussex County Council, libraries will see their budgets reduced by 15% in 2012 to meet cost-saving targets for 2012/13/14.

"This represents a big hit for a small library with an annual running cost of £50, 000," says SPC Chairman, David Barling. "But the fact that nearly 300 people came along to the meeting to express their concerns is testament to how we feel about our library and how we want to see it thrive in the future. Steyning residents have sent a resounding message back to County Hall."

"Steyning Supports Local Library Staff. The Parish Council has set up a special working committee to look at ways in which the library can secure additional income to offset the likely effects of budget reductions."

"In full knowledge of residents’ wishes we will now produce a report detailing ways in which the community can sustain and hopefully enhance the library as a town resource,” says David. "This could well involve sharing the use/cost of buildings and promoting their use as a community hub."

"We can however reassure all Steyning residents that there is no possibility that the library will be closed and that the Council has received written guarantees of this from County Hall."

For more information and the latest news about the library and other SPC issues visit: www.steyningpc@gov.uk or call 01903 812751.

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