February 10, 2014 11.27 am
This story is over 100 months old
Campaigners request judicial review over Lincolnshire library cuts
High Court action: A judicial review request has been sent to the County Council over its decision to cut library services in Lincolnshire.
Campaigners against the library cuts stood on the steps of County Hall from 9.30am, before the Executive Meeting. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Campaigners have requested a judicial review of Lincolnshire County Council’s decision to cut library services across the county.
The review papers from the High Court in London were delivered to the council at the end of January.
If granted, the judicial review would look into the decision to close a number of libraries in Lincolnshire in favour of community hubs and mobile stops.
The executive at Lincolnshire County Council approved plans to save £1.7 million a year by handing over many libraries to community volunteers.
Under the proposals, 30 libraries will become community-run libraries, plus in some areas community hubs will be created where no library resources presently exist. Over 100 jobs would be lost in the process.
The 15 core libraries, including Lincoln Central, will continue to be run by the authority.
The judicial review request was issued by Public Interest Lawyers of Eight Hylton Street in Birmingham, on behalf of Simon Draper from Lincoln.
The review asks for an order to stop the council’s decision, claiming that the prior consultation was unlawful because “decisions had already been taken”, the council failed to take regard of its obligations under the Public Sector Equality Duty as required by the Equality Act 2010, and the council failed to properly consider a proposal by Greenwich Leisure, a charitable social enterprise, to take over the service.
Finally, the papers also state that if the cuts go ahead, the libraries service will no longer be a comprehensive and efficient library service, as required by the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964.
Simon Draper said: “My wife, who is disabled, and I are appalled at the decision by the County Council to cut the library service in Lincolnshire.
“For people across Lincolnshire the library provides an essential service for learning, enjoyment and information with support from experienced staff.”
Paul Heron, from Public Interest Lawyers added: “Great credit should go to Simon for caring enough about the library service in Lincolnshire to bring this legal action.
“We hope to convince the court that as a matter of law the County Council have not acted correctly in the way they have conducted the consultation process and ignored the wishes of people in Lincolnshire.
“I would urge all – to once again lobby their councillors and ask them not to make these cuts which will devastate the library service if they are carried out.”
Campaign group Save Lincolnshire Libraries also supports the request for a judicial review.
Phil Dilks Labour councillor for Deeping St James and spokesperson for Save Lincolnshire Libraries said: “We regret that Lincolnshire County Council is steam-rolling ahead with seriously flawed cuts to remove statutory provision for more than thirty libraries rather than listen to 25,000 council tax payers who have actively supported our campaign.”
Nick Worth, Conservative councillor Holbeach, is the Executive Member for Libraries at County Council. He said: “We’ve only recently received the details of the claim, and are now beginning to consider our response.
“Before the decision was made, the council carried out extensive consultation and thoroughly considered the impact on our residents.
“So we’ll be presenting the strongest possible defence, showing that all the necessary steps needed to make a lawful decision were taken.
“In light of this, it is our intention to continue the implementation of the changes and to work with communities that have expressed an interest in working with us to deliver library services across the county.”
Meanwhile, community groups have come forward to take over all 30 libraries earmarked for closure, meaning more remote areas under threat will still receive a service.
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We are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a collision caused serious injuries to a 23-year-old man.
Just before 3.30pm yesterday (2 July), we received reports of a collision on Barholm Road in Tallington. It involved a grey BMW 335D estate, a blue BMW 116D and an orange KTM motorcycle.
The motorcycle rider, a 23-year-old man, sustained serious injuries during the collision and was taken to hospital.
If you witnessed the incident and are yet to get in touch with us, please do so. If you have any other information or dashcam footage available that may have captured the road along the A1175 at the time of the collision, get in touch.
By calling 101 quoting incident 282 of 2 July.
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 282 of 2 July in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
The 2022 Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards are open for applications, and Destination Lincolnshire giving you the rare chance to co-create your application with Nell Barrington, a tourism awards veteran, who has helped hundreds of businesses write winning applications over the last 15 years – including national VisitEngland winners.
The Tourism Awards Masterclass is taking place on Tuesday 12 July at 11am for one-hour online. Laura Freer, Head of Marketing at Destination Lincolnshire said: “This is a golden opportunity, after years of hard work and heartache, to get your business and team recognised and rewarded.
“A well written application is key to achieving a coveted place on this year’s shortlist, and I’d encourage all tourism and visitor economy businesses who are thinking of entering – whether they are seasoned at writing award applications or not – to join us for this exclusive masterclass.
“Nell Barrington has worked with us and VisitEngland on the founding application processes of these awards, and she is perfectly placed to assist in co-creating applications that you can be proud of. This is a great opportunity for business development too – whether you are shortlisted for an award or not – discovering how to effectively apply for awards and talk up your business adds another string to your bow.
“Booking is essential and places are limited to just 35 – so be quick! This year we’ve made our masterclass available to partners and also to those who we are yet to work with for free. Call it an added bonus, after two years away from the awards circuit.
The awards masterclass is focussed on the application process, and it will spell out what the judges are looking for. You’ll learn how to make your application stand out from the local competition, helping your chances of going through to the national VisitEngland Awards in 2023.”
There are fifteen categories open for nominations from visitors attraction, accommodation providers, hospitality businesses and many more.
The deadline for nominations is July 29, with online judging starting on July 30 and mystery shopping from August 13. Finalists will be announced on Monday, August 15.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Engine Shed on October 21, and will be hosted by Lincs FM presenter, John Marshall.
The event is organised by Stonebow Media, publishers of The Lincolnite, to celebrate the best businesses in Greater Lincolnshire, alongside headline sponsors Lincoln College and Destination Lincolnshire.
We would also like to thank our other sponsors Visit Lincolnshire, Heart of Lincs, Duncan and Toplis and LNER, insight6 and EV Camel.
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