'Run-down' city library to close
A RUN-down and dilapidated community library will be shut down as Wakefield Council can not justify its existence.
Flanshaw Library will close for good at the end of next month because it has been allowed to fall into such a state the council says it will cost too much money to repair.
But regular library user David Wraith, 73, says the closure is cutting a vital community lifeline.
He said: "It is a shame and another community amenity for both young and old is being closed down.
"They have just let it run down. It will be a big loss.
"I know the council only has a certain amount of money to spend but they spend it elsewhere on things, like the ridiculous Bull Ring."
Mr Wraith said that the alternatives put in place by the council were not helping the community.
The council has said it will introduce self-service library kiosks with IT facilities at Balne Lane Community Centre in January.
Mr Wraith said: "Everything is now being designed to make everybody go into town. Not everyone can drive and there are not enough parking spaces.
"There are a lot of people who won't bother now. It is difficult for older people to get to Balne Lane – Flanshaw Road is a tough climb up a steep hill.
Mr Wraith, of Oakwood Avenue, said it will be loss for children at nearby St Michael's School.
He said: "I know they are going to have a mobile service but it is not the same as going into your local library."
Lisa Dodd, Wakefield Council's service manager with responsibility for libraries, said: "We know how important libraries are to communities but Flanshaw is in such a poor state that we have no alternative but to take this difficult decision."
The council also said there will be more facilities for the area next year, including an improved mobile library service, which will stop at schools and a new outreach programme for reading and skills.
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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