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Plans to save Ivinghoe library could be in place by Christmas
Cllr Martin Phillips
VILLAGERS battling to save their local library have been given a boost – and told their plans could be up and running by Christmas.
The Friends of Ivinghoe Library last week learned that their business case to keep the service had impressed County Hall bosses.
Village libraries across Bucks could face closure due to spending cuts, but community groups have been urged to step forward and take over managing them.
Delighted Friends secretary Emma Huxley said: “There was a really strong reaction from the community, Ivinghoe doesn’t lie down and take things easily.
“We’re really hoping to make the change over before Christmas.”
Under the plans, the library would be renamed the Beacon Villages Community Library, and would serve neighbouring villages, including Cheddington, Edlesborough, Pitstone, and Slapton.
A full-time library manager would be retained, and longer opening hours, home deliveries and a coupon scheme with businesses are all being considered.
Councillor Martin Phillips, Conservative, County Hall’s cabinet member for community engagement, said: “I’m ecstatic, they’ve got an excellent local member (Councillor Avril Davies, Liberal Democrat), who’s pushed it very hard.”
He said community libraries, run by volunteer groups, will be open in October in Farnham Common, Chalfont St Peter and Gerrards Cross, and he anticipates more opening in a second wave.
Mr Phillips said: “I’m totally confident we’ll keep all our libraries.”
Community libraries will get IT and maintenance support from County Hall. Ivinghoe’s business case looks set to be approved next month after a project board meeting on September 7.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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