Lib Dems win review of library service

4.18.38pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 26th Sep 2005

Liberal Democrats are calling for library users to have a say on how the service is run

All aspects of Hampshire's Library Service are to be reviewed - thanks to the Liberal Democrats.

Lib Dem proposals to set-up a panel to scrutinise the library service were passed by a County Council committee despite opposition from several senior Conservatives.

"It's time for the Council to consult library users about the future of the library service" said Liberal Democrat spokesman Councillor Peter Chegwyn.

'Although we have supported the creation of Discovery Centres and a number of initiatives aimed at attracting new library users, we have also voiced concern about cuts to the Book Fund and reductions in the Mobile Library Service.'

By setting-up a Scrutiny Panel with the power to call outside witnesses to give evidence, councillors can now examine in detail the workings of the library service, give those with concerns the chance to 'have their say',and give library chiefs the chance to respond to criticisms and justify their policies in open public session.