Malcolm Kirkup disgusted at library closures

The borough is set to lose its mobile library service and jobs could be axed as Bexley and Bromley libraries come one step closer to merging their management.

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Library service workers were told on Monday that, in a bid to save the council £350,000, 35 jobs in Bexley and 36 in Bromley could go.

However, proposals include creating 36 new roles under the new joint structure and these will be offered to library staff made redundant.

Councillors are expected to make a final decision about Bexley’s mobile libraries next month with the closure implemented in September.

Malcolm Kirkup, 80, of Beechcroft Avenue, Bexleyheath, said: “It’s scandalous that they are stopping the mobile libraries. Anything to do with learning should not be closed.

“They are used by children, adults and the elderly. They are ideal for people who can’t get out.”

Bexley’s mobile service has undergone a number of reductions recently and 10 stops on the route were axed in April.

The council consulted all the primary schools in Bexley over the possibility of paying for mobile library visits.

However, just four expressed an interest.

The service currently visits 67 borough locations, including sheltered accommodation and retirement homes.

A member of Bexley Pensioners Forum Elwyn Bryant, 74, of Salisbury Road, Bexley, said: “They spend so much on councillors’ allowances.

“They can afford to pay for that so they can afford to keep the mobile service running.”

A council spokesman said: “Residents who find it difficult to leave their homes will still be able to access books through the housebound library service provided by the Woman’s Royal Voluntary Service.

“We are also exploring opportunities to continue a book deposit service for people in residential homes.”

A report on the mobile libraries will be considered by the cabinet member for leisure on July 5.

It is anticipated that the joint shared library service will be up and running by April 1, next year.