A CONTROVERSIAL proposal to close Rugby Library on Sundays is being opposed by hundreds of residents.
Warwickshire County Council (WCC) has proposed the move for its libraries in Rugby and Leamington – which open from noon to 4pm on Sundays – as part of its Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS).
The council says it needs to make savings due to the pressure on services it is legally obliged to provide, such as education and social care.
The MTFS, which covers the council’s finances for the next five years, includes savings amounting to around £80million.
The council proposes to review the Sunday opening hours of Rugby, Leamington and Nuneaton libraries in 2026, with the aim of saving £50,000.
A petition opposing the move had been signed by around 600 people when The Observer went to press.
Karen Blackwell, who started the petition, said: “The proposed closure of Rugby, Leamington and Nuneaton libraries on Sundays poses a significant threat to the wellbeing of our community.
“Libraries serve as critical resources offering a wide range of services to all community members, especially families and the most vulnerable among us.
“They provide access to knowledge, technology, and a safe, quiet place for study and enrichment. Closing the libraries on a Sunday would limit the availability of these essential services.”
A WCC spokesperson said the council was currently receiving and considering comments about Sunday opening hours in libraries.
Announcing the MTFS earlier this month, Coun Peter Butlin, WCC’s Deputy Leader and spokesperson for Finance and Property, said: “In a really difficult environment, where local government faces unprecedented financial pressures, our medium-term financial strategy will ensure the council has the best chance to deliver on our ambitions for the county while building in resilience and flexibility to respond to future challenges.
“This does involve making some savings and difficult choices. But we plan robustly, and this means we are better placed than many councils.
“As a local authority we have not shied away from making tough decisions, but we have done so with a focus on maintaining our financial sustainability over the medium-term.
“Our approach is to avoid short-term fixes that could undermine our long-term goals and also ensuring that we have clear savings plans in place. At the same time, we recognise the need for flexibility, as we continue to navigate an increasingly complex financial environment.
“Our responsible financial management means we can make substantial capital investment such as additional school places to improve the life chances of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.”
Visit https://tinyurl.com/42bcjhdj to read or sign the petition.
