MP supports library move
An MP has thrown his support behind a campaign to save a well-used Black Country library from the axe. Dudley Wood Library is to close its doors along with four others in the borough under plans put forward by council chiefs. An MP has thrown his support behind a campaign to save a well-used Black Country library from the axe. Dudley Wood Library is to close its doors along with four others in the borough under plans put forward by council chiefs. Dudley Council has backed the proposals to close Woodside, Dudley Wood, Quarry Bank, Amblecote and Wall Heath libraries, claiming the cash saved would be used for a £2.3 million scheme to update services, including remodelling of the Wordsley Green Library. Members said it would also allow investment in a new library at Brierley Hill. But devastated book borrowers from Dudley Wood have vowed to fight to the end in a bid to keep the library's doors open. More than 700 people have already joined forces to sign their names to a petition and they have now drafted in MP Ian Pearson to back their campaign. Read the full story in the Express & Star.
Dudley Council has backed the proposals to close Woodside, Dudley Wood, Quarry Bank, Amblecote and Wall Heath libraries, claiming the cash saved would be used for a £2.3 million scheme to update services, including remodelling of the Wordsley Green Library.
Members said it would also allow investment in a new library at Brierley Hill.
But devastated book borrowers from Dudley Wood have vowed to fight to the end in a bid to keep the library's doors open.
More than 700 people have already joined forces to sign their names to a petition and they have now drafted in MP Ian Pearson to back their campaign.
The Dudley South representative dropped in to meet book borrowers to show his support and said he was still hopeful the library could be saved from closure.
"I am fully backing the kids and parents and all who use Dudley Wood Library," he said. "It's not just about borrowing books, but about computers and clubs available to all.
"The library is the hub of the Dudley Wood Community and I hope Dudley Council will see sense, change their minds and keep Dudley Wood Library open."
Meanwhile members of Woodside Library are preparing to stage an emergency meeting in a last bid to fight the controversial proposals.