August 13, 2013 9.20 am
This story is over 107 months old
Libraries are a cost-effective front door to council services
Save Lincs Libraries: Marianne Overton, Leader of Lincolnshire Independents at the County Council, has written to County Councillor Nick Worth to object to the library closure proposals.
The proposal to withdraw support for 30 Lincolnshire libraries, as well as 286 mobile library stops is disproportionate to the £2 million per year savings made.
As we know, the County Council has a statutory duty to provide a service that is efficient and comprehensive, which everyone can access. Therefore, anyone who cannot get to their library and wants to borrow a book is entitled to a home service. So the saving may well not be there at all.
Libraries are not just book depositories. We already include volunteers in many of our libraries. Libraries are a much wider service which needs to be professional in terms of skills, responsibility in managing people and wide training needed to cover the range of work.
At the last reduction in 2008, Branston Library went from 103,000 visits per year to around 25-35,000 it gets now, after its hours were drastically cut. This proposal is a further cut to a service that is already a very cost-effective “lean machine”.
The last review looked at the cost-effectiveness of each library, in £ per unit use. Branston scored very highly. Libraries with partnership arrangements often lever in huge additional benefits and money. This cannot be easily ignored or cast aside.
For example, the Academy at Branston invests a huge sum every year in Branston Library. They provide the building and its maintenance, heating, lighting and cleaning. Doubling up with public use makes perfect sense.
Other partners include NKDC, and some services can be accessed from here, including access to planning applications, electoral register and information.
The Parish Council, Police, grant-giving bodies and benefits service all hold surgeries here, using the private counselling room as required. This assists in the rewiring to provide “joined-up” public services, moving us in the direction we want to go.
The Library is also a Learn Direct computer training centre for the public. As the government wants us to move towards on line benefit claims, this will be increasingly important, helping prevent people from getting into much greater difficulties. That would also have knock-on costs for us, especially if children are involved.
Branston Library is very well situated, being adjacent to the pre-school, secondary school, swimming pool and leisure facilities, youth centre and very close to the junior school and shopping and health centre. It is also adjacent to two housing estates, one of which has a high level of needs. Feedback is very positive.
So it is a well-used, cost-effective “front door” to our council and other services.
— Editor’s note: This is an adapted version of an open letter sent by Marianne Overton to Councillor Nick Worth, Executive Member for Libraries at Lincolnshire County Council.
Marianne Overton is the Independent County and District Councillor for Navenby and Branston District and the Cliff Villages. Also leader of the Lincolnshire Independents, a county-wide support network. Twice elected national Leader of the Independent Group of councillors for England and Wales and Vice Chairman of the Local Government Association.
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We are investigating following a house fire where a man has sadly died.
Officers were called to the incident in Farrow Road, Spalding, at 1.03am today (7 August) following reports of what was described as an explosion. The property has suffered 100% damage.
Despite the best efforts of emergency services and members of the public who offered assistance, a man in his 50’s was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
His next of kin have been informed.
Another man who is thought to have been passing by the property and offered his help suffered burn injuries and is currently receiving treatment.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, and we are keeping an open mind as experts from Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service investigate today. We would encourage people not to speculate while we investigate the cause.
Officers will remain in the area for the next few days carrying out enquiries.
Anyone who saw or heard anything, or captured the incident on doorbell camera or dashcam is asked to contact us. There are a number of ways to get in touch:
You can call us on 101 quoting incident number 43 of 7 August.
You can email: [email protected] incident number 43 of 7 August in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or you can give information anonymously online
Lincolnshire 30 Under 30, The Lincolnite‘s showcase of young up and coming talent and high achievers, is open for nominations.
Thanks to our sponsors, Sparkhouse, Ringrose Law, Streets Chartered Accountants, Lincoln College and The Strait & Narrow, publishers Stonebow Media are organising the celebration of Lincolnshire’s promising talent for this autumn.
In 2021 we received almost 200 nominations for our county’s rising stars and and we’re seeking those who have shone over the past twelve months from entrepreneurs, to athletes, artists and rapidly developing professionals.
We’re looking to hear from inspirational young achievers from all backgrounds and professional fields. You can nominate yourself, or someone you know personally or professionally who is making our county proud.
Nominations are open for people from across Greater Lincolnshire (from the Humber to the Wash), either living or working in our region (and beyond!)
Entries close on September 9. A reception event is scheduled for Thursday, November 10, at the Lincoln Cathedral Chapterhouse. Check out the 2021 celebration.
Why this matters
The Lincolnite’s 30 Under 30 showcase is a celebration of the best and brightest in Lincolnshire, putting our young talent on the map regionally and nationally.
Stonebow Media’s platform and channels reach unparalleled audiences, opening up further opportunities and recognition for those involved.