Locals speak of importance of at-risk building

The Curve houses Slough's central library, council services and a theatre

Young parents, students and home-workers have spoken out about the importance of a building that has had questions raised over its future.

A petition to save The Curve in Slough, Berkshire, is set to be handed to Slough Borough Council after the local authority said it would "explore" ways to save money on running the building.

Council leader Dexter Smith has since said he wants to keep The Curve open to the public but invite a university to run it.

One person said the building was good for children's development, while another said being able to work there helped her mental health.

The building houses Slough's central library, council services and a theatre.

Young parent Aisha said she took her son to story time at The Curve every Wednesday and Saturday morning.

"It's a really good place for kids to come and interact with other children," she said.

"He's really into books now and I think it's because I started taking him to story time."

She said it was a "good place to come" for parents looking to get out of the house, especially in winter.

Rahul Kumar said he liked to go to The Curve to work

Rahul Kumar, 52, who is studying a masters in international relations, said it was a good place to work.

"It's a better place to work than at home because of the quiet ambience," he said.

"At home you can feel like maybe you want to take a nap or have a rest. But at the library you can't do those things - you're there to work."

Campaigner Preston Brooker said he wanted to present the petition at the next full council meeting.

Cost saving proposals first raised the possibility of closing The Curve when they were published in December last year.

The proposals said the council should "explore the closure or find alternative use of The Curve".

Mr Smith said he wanted a university to run the building and that the library and theatre should stay open, but he admitted opening hours could be cut.