'Library closures could create cultural desert'

Woodston Library is under threat due to budget cuts at Peterborough City Council

The closure of libraries as part of budget cuts could turn a city into a "cultural desert", a local politician said.

On Saturday, campaigners fighting to save under-threat Woodston Library in Peterborough invited all city councillors and the local North-West Cambridgeshire MP to attend a community event and see how "important" the venue was before any decision was made to shut it.

The library, on Orchard Street, is at risk of closure after the council announced budget cuts, including a proposal to reduce number of static public libraries from 10 to three.

Peterborough First's Chris Harper said Woodston was "in danger", but Labour, which runs the council as a minority administration, said "no decision has yet been made about the building".

Jennie Storey from Friends of Woodston library said campaigners remained "positive"

Campaigner Jennie Storey, from Friends of Woodston Library, said four of the city's 60 councillors visited the community event - all from the independent Peterborough First group - and offered "heart-warming" feedback.

"We still have time before the [budget-setting] meeting and would be happy to welcome any others who want to arrange a visit to our library - it is vital to see our library being used by the community," she said.

Last month, the council asked residents for their views on draft plans to help balance the budget in the next three financial years.

The authority has predicted a £23m shortfall on its draft budget of £220m for 2025-2026.

The council said the closure of seven libraries would help save £314,000 a year.

It said it proposed to invest in a modernised central library with two additional libraries kept open - one of them believed to be the Bretton library.

'New operating models'

Councillor for Stanground South, Chris Harper of Peterborough First attended the Woodston event.

He is the former leader of the group, which is mostly made up of ex-Conservatives, which led the administration briefly last year, until elections returned the minority Labour-led council.

"One of the main things we promised during the ongoing community asset review was that if a community facility was needed, that we wouldn't close it, but under the present administration, that promise is in danger," said Harper.

"If the proposals that form the next budget are voted through, we will be close to having a cultural desert in Peterborough."

The Labour group has previously said: "We understand the strength of feeling and are working with the Friends of Woodston Library to look at options regarding the venue's future use.

"We are speaking with them about a proposal of a year-long trial to explore new operating models for the building which opens opportunities for income generation and fundraising to cover the day to day running costs."

Councillors will consider the budget at a meeting next month.