Under-threat libraries will not close, council says

Two libraries that were under threat of closure will now be kept open, a council has confirmed.

Slough Borough Council announced plans to close Cippenham and Langley libraries in December, prompting a petition against the proposals that was signed by 2,000 people.

The council ran a consultation on the plans, which residents used to share their "passion for libraries and communities", according to lead member of education and children's services Puja Bedi.

She said the council had "already started scoping ideas" for how all four of Slough's libraries could stay open.

"The consultation was undertaken because there was a concern the library service was not fit for purpose and this needed to be reviewed," she said.

"We had such a huge response to the consultation... we have listened to residents' views and will not be closing any libraries."

She said the consultation had shown the libraries were used for more than just borrowing books - they were also social meeting places and educational environments.

Chandra Kondepudi, who led the campaign to save the libraries, welcomed the news and said he was "grateful" for the support from the community.

"They made it clear the libraries are essential for learning and connection," he said.

He said there was no community centre in Langley, which was why the library was so important.

There are four libraries in Slough - The Curve, Britwell, Langley and Cippenham - but only Langley and Cippenham were under threat of closure.

The council said it was considering continuing with the current model, but was considering moving to a family hub model in Cippenham.

A meeting on Cippenham's future delivery model will take place on 19 May.

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