The Southgate and Wood Green MP joins Enfield North’s Feryal Clark in opposing Enfield Council’s plan to close eight libraries, reports James Cracknell

Southgate and Wood Green MP Bambos Charalambous has become the second local Labour MP to publicly criticise Enfield Council’s plans to close eight libraries across the borough.

Oakwood, Southgate and Bowes Road libraries are proposed to be closed in the constituency next year to help the council close a gap in its budget.

The proposal is currently subject to a public consultation with the council inviting residents to submit their views on its new libraries strategy before 14th November, with the civic centre saying it must “run a sustainable service with the resources we have”.

But in his official response to the consultation, posted on his website, Charalambous wrote: “The proposal has caused concerns across the constituency with residents sharing their personal experiences.

“Statistics from Age UK suggests 1.9 million older people often feel ignored or invisible. Oakwood Library serves the Oakwood and Cockfosters area which has significantly more residents aged 65+ (18%) when compared to the borough population (14%). Age UK research confirms a range of factors cause loneliness, including lack of community venues and activities within their ward area.

“Closure of libraries will exacerbate the borough’s loss of community venues. I often receive enquiries through my work from community groups looking for community venues for hire which are lacking in the borough.

“In addition to loss of library service hours, residents will lose events and clubs, community groups they enjoy and rely on. It is concerning that young people will lose a place of study and older people will lose a place of community and conversation.”

Last month, Enfield North MP Feryal Clark also wrote to the council demanding they reverse plans to close three libraries in her constituency and told the Dispatch she was “horrified” to learn of the proposals.

In its consultation the council has said that it will listen to alternative ideas for its library service that would deliver a similar level of savings, of between £580,000 and £630,000 per year.

In a debate last month Chinelo Anyanwu, cabinet member for environment, culture, and public spaces, told the civic centre: “We must run a sustainable service, within the resources we have.

“After £228million worth of savings made since 2010, thanks to central government cuts and their [Conservative] party, it has become harder and harder.

“This administration has protected our libraries and run a higher than average number compared to neighbouring boroughs.”

Take part in the council consultation on libraries before 14th November:
Visit enfield.gov.uk/consultations/library-consultation

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