Future of local library is secure (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Future of local library is secure

Residents at the meeting into the future of Moredon Library Picture Ref: 99268-12MOREDON and Rodbourne Cheney residents have been reassured that their library is not under threat.

More than 30 residents turned out for a public meeting called over fears about the future of Moredon and Rodbourne Cheney Library.

They are also upset that the library has lost its manager.

But David Allen, head of the library service at Swindon Council, tried to reassure the residents that they would continue to have a quality library service.

"I have worked in Swindon libraries for over 20 years and there has never to my knowledge been a proposal to close Moredon Library," he said.

"I would like to stand here and say I know of no plans to close Moredon Library or to close any other library in Swindon."

He said that the library had 'felt the breeze' from the opening of North Swindon Library but that usage had started to pick up again in recent months.

And Mr Allen also told the meeting at the Rodbourne Arms pub that although the manager Sarah Checksfield had now left the library would still be well managed.

Two managers will now be responsible for four libraries, including Moredon and Rodbourne Cheney, but one of those managers will be based at Moredon and Rodbourne Cheney for most of the week for the first three months of the new system.

This would allow the manager, who will be appointed this week, to get to know the local community.

But library users are still concerned about the impact of losing their manager.

Amanda Pope, chairwoman of the Friends of Moredon and Rodbourne Cheney Library, described Mrs Checksfield as 'the heart of the library' and she also received glowing praise from 15-year-old Ben Bridgeman.

"When I first moved to Moredon four years ago and didn't know anyone I went to the library to do my homework," he said.

"I have never been greeted so warmly.

"I go to speak to Sarah when I need to speak to someone and I don't think I can speak to anyone in my family. There is always an ear at the library.

"It is a good library and I am glad it is not being closed down but I would prefer it if Sarah could stay."

Coun Derique Montaut (Lab, Moredon), who chaired the meeting, said Mrs Checksfield's service went way beyond the call of duty.

Isabel Field Political reporter