Wakefield Council says no to free repairs for community library
A HUGE campaign has been mounted in Flanshaw after the council decided to close its treasured library, claiming much-needed repairs to the building were not "cost effective."
But this week a builder offered to carry out the work for FREE but was snubbed by the council which has refused his generous offer.
After hearing about the closure, Richard Scholey offered to carry out the work and pay for the materials needed to keep Flanshaw Library open.
He also offered to carry out regular maintenance.
Mr Scholey, 37, of Ashleigh Avenue and director of RJS Property Solutions Limited, said: "It is shocking. They are saying they cannot afford to repair it and I am offering my services free of charge.
"I think there is some underlying reason they do not want it to stay open and running. It is a done deal.
"It took them more than a week to reply. I want to keep it open for the community and the pupils at St Michael's School, where my stepson, Alexander, and my nephews go.
"Whatever the cost I would have just done it."
An online Facebook campaign to save the library has also been set up and a petition has been started at Dewsbury Road Post Office.
Recently the authority has described itself as a "listening council."
The Express asked them if they would listen to the Flanshaw community about their wish to keep the library open.
Andy Wallhead, corporate director for regeneration, culture and sport, said: "We appreciate the community support for Flanshaw Library, which we all know is a valued resource.
"Our plans will see the community gaining additional and improved services. We are investing in lending facilities at Balne Lane Community Centre and improved book stocks for the mobile library, with more stops in the area, bringing services closer to where people live.
"Overall the people in Peacock, Darnley, Flanshaw and surrounding areas will have greater access and more choice when it comes to library services and learning opportunities.
"We have responded directly to people who are offering to help or who want to know more about what we are putting into place. But the fact remains that Flanshaw library is in such a poor state of repair that we had no alternative but to take this difficult decision to close it."
To join the campaign log onto www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=185550539412&ref=nf
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Friday 25 May 2012
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