Moray campaigners fighting to save ALL libraries - ‘Whether it’s one or seven, it makes no difference’
Campaigners have cautiously welcomed the news that Moray Council’s administration group won’t back plans to close seven libraries.
The Conservatives, who are the largest group on the council, are now in line with the SNP and Labour in opposing the proposals, which means they will not be voted through in their present format.
Public protests have been held at libraries across Moray since the council announced last month that Burghead, Cullen, Dufftown, Fochabers, Keith, Lossiemouth and Tomintoul might close this financial year.
Confusion was caused on Monday when a press release from the Conservatives announced that the closures were “off the table”, only for them to row back later the same day and state the issue still had to be voted on.
In a matter of hours the emotions experienced by the campaigners consequently went from joy to something more muted.
Georgina Barker is a regular at Cullen Library where the latest public protest was held on Friday evening.
She said: “I’m still viewing this as a big win for us. It feels powerful.
“All the political parties are now unanimous in supporting the libraries.
“It’s clear from the protests and from the responses to the council survey that the libraries are more important than they actually realised.”
Meanwhile, Jamie Campbell, a catering manager from Burghead, said: “We were delighted with the original news that all seven libraries were being saved.
“We hope the retraction isn’t a way for them to backtrack in some way.
“But whether it’s one or seven, it makes no difference - we don’t believe any library in Moray should close.
“We’ll stick together and await whatever silly move the council comes out with next.”
Mary Philp has helped galvanise a lot of support in her hometown where every shop is displaying a Save Keith Library poster
She said: “We’re living in hope that we’re going to keep our library.
“For many people it’s a lifeline.
“I believe the council have underestimated the love we have for our library and the community space it provides, particularly for the young and most vulnerable members of our community.”
The closure proposals, which were drawn up by council officers, would save an estimated £376,000 on staffing and other costs.
In addition, the library buildings at Dufftown and Keith would be sold to generate extra income.
Off-setting this would be costs of around £100,000 to extend the opening hours at Aberlour plus invest in the council’s community outreach service.
The proposals will potentially be voted on at the next full council meeting scheduled for January 21
