The plans confirming the downgrading of services and access to libraries across the Vale of Glamorgan were rubber stamped by the local authority on Monday (9th). Vale MP Alun Cairns has described the consultation process as “flawed” and criticised the council for not giving enough consideration to the role that libraries hold in child literacy and learning.
Mr Cairns had previously met with campaigners from Rhoose and written to the authority to echo concerns about the loss of services and a downgrade of the facilities for the public.
Mr Cairns said: “I am very disappointed that this decision has been made by the Vale of Glamorgan Council. Financial settlements are getting tougher, but the local authority has chosen not to shelter council tax payers from a 4% rise and still has a very substantial budget to deliver services - they can make choices about where money is allocated.
The Vale MP added: “The consultation process was flawed from the start, and I am concerned that the role of a local library is simply being downgraded in many communities across the Vale. When I was young the library played such an important role in my own learning, and asking volunteers to complete business plans does not help a youngster who may not have access to shelves of books at home.”