Hundreds sign petition opposing library closures

Hundreds of people have signed a petition "strongly opposing" proposals to close two libraries.

Slough Borough Council is considering closing Langley and Cippenham libraries which it said would save almost £195,000 and make better use of library resources in the borough.

But more than 200 people have signed an online petition against the proposal.

Conservative council leader Dexter Smith said footfall at both libraries had fallen and the move was about using library resources in the "most effective way".

The petition states: "Libraries can help children develop lifelong skills, can be a place for independent learning, as well as personal and social development."

Petitioner Chandra Kondepudi, who regularly takes his young son to Cippenham Library, said: "The last two weeks they have a holiday... so at least they can go to the library for an hour and read the books, and also the social gatherings will help them too."

He said more libraries were "definitely good for the community".

If the plans go ahead it will mean the number of libraries in Slough will be cut in half, with just Britwell Library and The Curve left open.

Mr Smith said footfall and opening hours at Langley and Cippenham had fallen after the authority adopted a "self-service" model in 2023 and tried to recruit volunteers.

He said visits to Cippenham Library had fallen by 75%, and by 65% at Langley Library, and that the council had struggled to recruit volunteers.

"There is no question at all about this council's commitment to continuing a library service," he added.

"There is no question about us cutting the library service.

"We are talking about using our resources in the most effective way."

A public consultation on the closure proposals is set to end on 25 February.

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