Plan to sell-off libraries in Kent announced by senior councillor

The libraries could be "disposed of" by 2026

Some of Kent's 99 public library buildings could be sold off to save money, a senior councillor announced.

Peter Oakford, deputy leader of cash-strapped Kent County Council, said they could be "disposed of" by 2026.

The Conservative councillor claimed KCC had "far too many libraries" compared to neighbouring authorities.

But Mr Oakford's Tory colleague who is responsible for libraries on Kent's cabinet, Clair Bell, sought to allay fears over closures.

"At present there are no proposals to reduce the number of libraries available to Kent residents," said Ms Bell, the cabinet member for community & regulatory services.

The council has to find tens of millions of pounds worth of savings in the face of squeezed government funding and rising costs.

The council recently shelved the proposed closure of four of the county's rubbish tips after a public outcry.

One third of the libraries in Kent could be affected under Mr Oakford's plans, but the overall anticipated saving is not yet known, sources have told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Councillor Oakford told the policy and resources cabinet committee the libraries could be "sold or disposed of" to local community groups, such as parish councils.

"I think we're all aware that Kent has far too many libraries," he said, according to the LDRS.

"We have more libraries per head than any other organisation or local authority in the country. We currently have 99 libraries.

"The administration will bring a proposal forward sometime this year to see where libraries can be sold or disposed of to local communities such as parish councils, to other organisations if we were to deem that we would want to carry on running them as a library and perhaps if a parish wanted to keep a library in their area."

'Madness'

Councillor Antony Hook, Liberal Democrat opposition group leader, said libraries were "essential community resources used by residents of all ages, as well as valued meeting places for local groups".

John Britt, Lenham Parish Council chairman, described any closure as "madness".

Councillor Bell said: "We will explore some initial work with parish councils who have expressed interest in running a library, and how they might be supported to do so.

"Any changes to the library service would involve full public consultation."

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