Dale Benton

A petition to keep Lincolnshire libraries open, despite the County Council’s proposal to cut services, has gathered over 390 public signatures already.

The petition is part of the Save Lincolnshire Libraries campaign, which acts as the “voice of local communities all around Lincolnshire” affected by the proposed cuts.

In just two weeks, Jasmin Pixon’s petition entitled “Lincolnshire County Council: Cut the plans to shut down local libraries in Lincolnshire” has gathered 393 signatures.

Campaigners hope to collect 2,000 signatures and directly voice the discontent towards the Lincolnshire County Council members.

Emily Evison, admin and campaigner of the Save Lincolnshire Libraries Facebook Group, has also set up a petition to help save the Nettleham Library.

With 390 signatures, the petition is gathering momentum fast as they push towards their final target of 500 signatures.

Due to a £2 million cut in funding, the County Council have had to look at ways of streamlining a number of services, such as the library provision.

The council is now consulting the idea of keeping just 15 out of 45 “static” libraries as they are, moving more services online.

The other 30 static libraries will either move to part-time openings, staffed with more volunteers and community input, or closed completely in favour of a mobile service, operating 126 stops.

In Lincoln, proposals indicate Lincoln Central Library will remain the same, but Ermine Library, Birchwood Library, Boultham Library and Bracebridge Library will be closed in favour of a mobile service or community run set up.

This will also affect North Hykeham Library, Skellingthorpe Library and Nettleham Library.

Paul Stainthorp, spokesperson for the Save Lincolnshire Libraries campaign, said: “It’s the market towns and villages that will be hit hardest by library cuts.

“You may be lucky enough to end up with ‘only’ a half-hour bus ride to the nearest council-run library – the county council thinks this should be good enough for you.

“But for many people, the rising cost of travel means that a visit to the library will become an occasional luxury.”

To leave your views on the library proposals, or see if your local library is affected, visit the Council’s consultation page.

To keep up to date with the Save Lincolnshire Libraries campaign, visit the Facebook or the website for regular updates.

Women looking to work in science-related careers will get more support, guidance and training as the University of Lincoln pledged to create a “level playing field.”

Research by the UK Resource Centre (UKRC) has shown that men in the UK are six times more likely to work in science related careers than women.

It is an issue that the University hopes to help even out through the creation of a new WiSE (Women in Science and Education) website.

Through the site, the University looks to raise the profile of WiSE academics and researchers at all levels.

The website provides women in science, engineering and technology with support, guidance and recognition in their field. The site also offers personal stories from women already in Science and Technology.

Professor Mary Stuart Vice Chancellor of the University of Lincoln, said: “Getting this right for women gets it right for men too.

“To be a world class University, we need to utilise the potential talent of our women and men, so that our SET (Science, Engineering and Technology) areas can build on their strength.”

Professor Sara Owen, Pro Vice Chancellor College of Social Science, added: “We are working towards ensuring that staff have the opportunity and support to realise their potential, have access to continuous professional development, and receive meaningful appraisals and an opportunity to develop personal development plans.

“As part of this we are keen to find ways of supporting, encouraging and facilitating our women scientists to realise their potential and ambitions.

“In addition we are keen to make the most of the women’s talents in order to achieve the aspirations of the College.”

The University of Lincoln launched the site as part of its commitment to the Athena Scientific Women’s Academic Network (SWAN) Charter.

The charter for women in science that recognises and celebrates employment practices for women in SET, which the University signed in July 2008.