Fighting mobile library cuts

Villagers campaigning for more visits by a mobile library are waiting to hear if their efforts have been successful.

Mr Michael Herod (67) of Linga Lane, Bassingham, has been helping to co-ordinate the campaign since cuts to the mobile library service for Bassingham and the surrounding areas were announced in May last year.

He and his wife, Mrs Christine Herod (66) use the library, with many residents, on a regular basis.

Mr Herod said that Lincolnshire County Council cut the service without consultation.

Bassingham used to have a visit every fortnight — when the mobile library would make five stops.

Since May 2008 that has become once a month and only one stop.

The mobile library now only stays in the village for about an hour — 11/2 hours less than previously.

In addition, the opening hours of library buildings in Lincolnshire have been cut by 10%.

Mr Herod said many residents could not get to a static library.

He said that resulted in the mobile library being overcrowded with up to 40 people on it and people had to stock up on books for a month.

A petition with about 40 signatures has been given to the county council.

Mr Herod said: “We were worried that if we were not careful, we were not going to have it at all.”

Last week, representatives of the county council visited Bassingham to see the issues as part of a review.

Mr Herod said: “They saw the size of the village and the distance that users have to travel to the single stop on High Street and be able to choose books in the allotted time available.”

Mr Herod said the service was essential and part of the community.

“We are hopeful following their visit that they will go away and come up with some solutions,” he said.

The inclusion manager at the county council, Wendy Hutchinson, said: “We have listened to concerns regarding the mobile library service in the area and we are currently reviewing the situation.

“Where possible, Lincolnshire County Council will always try to provide a service that meets the needs of the public, within the resources we have available.”