Community meeting to discuss library closure plans

Westdene is one of three libraries under threat of closure to save money

Plans to close a library in East Sussex will come under scrutiny at a public meeting later.

Westdene is one of three libraries under threat of closure in Brighton and Hove, East Sussex, alongside plans to reduce the opening hours of the Jubilee and Carnegie libraries, as the city council tries to save money.

A community meeting will take place at Westdene Primary School at 17:30 BST to discuss the proposal.

Brighton & Hove City Council is trying to meet a £16m shortfall in its budget, with the proposed closures of Westdene, Rottingdean and Hollingbury libraries set to save £210,000.

Alicia Buckingham lives close to the library on Bankside, Westdene, and said her four-year-old son had a strong connection to the library.

"Every time we walk into the library, his eyes light up," she said. "Libraries aren't luxuries, they're lifelines.

"He loves reading, and when we go to the library he usually grabs animal stories and encyclopaedias.

"The library is where his dreams start to take shape. Close it and close off possibilities."

'Alternative provision'

Alan Robins, cabinet member for sport, recreation and libraries, said: "We've been really pleased that so many residents have already engaged with the consultation through the online survey and our public meetings."

He said the council had met with people in Westdene Library in the summer and heard how the proposed closure would impact them.

"We've been engaging with residents and community groups across the city to discuss potential alternative provision of some services, including conversations with Westdene School," he added.

"We hope to continue these conversations and explore any ideas that come from the communities affected, while enabling us to achieve the savings necessary to balance our budget."

An online survey into the proposal is open until 10 October, with a decision due in December.

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