St Just Library petition presented to Cornwall Council
On Monday, representatives of the ‘Friends of St Just Library’ visited County Hall to hand in a petition to Cllr Adam Paynter, Cornwall Council Portfolio Holder with responsibility for Libraries.
Sue James, the local councillor for St Just-in-Penwith, also attended the handover of the petition with 1,602 names on it. All signed the petition as being opposed to the planned reduction of hours at St Just Library.
The ‘Friends’ were able to express their concern that the loss of hours would affect the community in terms of the loss of computer and Internet access for those searching for work and that not all the 9 groups, currently meeting in the Library, would be able to do so if hours reduced.
Cllr Sue James later met with Adam Paynter and Head of Service, Mark Read to explore some options to generate income and reduce costs that might enable the impact of the budget cuts to be reduced. The St Just Mayor and Town clerk also attended the meeting with all representatives able to express their concern at the impact on the Tourist Information Service, also provided at the Library.
Adam Paynter will make final decisions but has emphasised that one staff team across paired sites, St Just with St Ives, was a crucial aspect to the achievement of planned savings and that, any delays in implementation would result in deeper cuts. Sue James will provide a full update after the final decisions are announced and look to arrange a further public meeting.