PROTESTORS GATHER AT UXBRIDGE LIBRARY
FURY erupted among residents as Hillingdon Council callously pushed through its decision to relocate Uxbridge Library to the Civic Centre, despite vocal opposition during a tumultuous meeting earlier this month. Disregarding pleas and protests from the community, the council's cabinet, in a contentious vote on February 15, unapologetically greenlit the controversial move.
The charged meeting, punctuated by residents shouting, 'shame on you,' with Cllr Eddie Lavery, Cabinet Member for Residents' Services, attempting to justify the relocation to the Middlesex Suite in the Civic Centre. Lavery cited concerns about the current building's alleged inadequacies, conveniently ignoring the sustained and impassioned resistance from residents.
Alan a 74-year-old uxbridge resident, who witnessed the heated exchange, expressed disillusionment, stating, "We've been fighting for months to keep our library in the High Street, but it seems the council has turned a deaf ear to our pleas. It's disheartening and lavery's response was so nochalant, it only made things worse."
Paul J from Hillingdon said, "it’s an amazing place for exhibitions, for me personally it’s a fantastic place for people to study, meet up and connect with each other. From the pictures and information available, I don’t feel the new location is suitable, the ramp is very steep, and access is actually quite difficult. I was disappointed to see the shelves empty even before the decision, it seems their minds where already made up.”
In response to questions about public engagement and the fate of library user groups, Lavery's “nonchalant” response only deepened the frustration. "We received some 266 emails in the library contact inbox whilst the customer engagement exercise was live," he mentioned, downplaying the considerable public outcry.
Another resident, visibly frustrated, was heard remarking, "It's clear they've made up their minds without truly considering our concerns. This decision feels like a betrayal of our community's wishes."
Residents, unswayed by the council's justifications, voiced skepticism about the impact on transportation access and environmental claims. Despite Cllr Lavery's attempts to downplay the significance, the move faced scrutiny from residents questioning the validity of promises about reduced carbon output.
"SHAME ON YOU"
The decision, made against the fervent wishes of the community, triggered chants of 'shame on you' and 'walk of shame,' leading to a temporary adjournment of the meeting. Steve Tuckwell, MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip, echoed the residents' disappointment, emphasizing the need for the council to translate promises into tangible actions that prioritize the well-being of the community.
"At a time when other councils are closing libraries, I acknowledge and applaud Hillingdon for not following a similar route. That said, the concerns raised by residents need to be addressed," Tuckwell asserted, capturing the prevailing sentiment of dissatisfaction with the council's seemingly indifferent stance. Residents are now left grappling with the ominous prospect of a relocated library that appears to many that Hillingdon prioritize questionable cost-cutting measures over community well-being.
The debate seems to have concluded for now, but residents group say this isn’t the end, revealing plans to challenge the move legally.
The new site is totally inadequate to house the number of books and facilities that the High Streret property housed. It was a pleasure to use the old site on my mobility scooter as there was sufficient space to negotiate the shelves. A number of people from all of the borough, (I'm from Harefield) used the High Street site and were they consulted on this move ? I don't remember seeing anything about it where I live. I'm interested to know what the library site is to be used for now ? I have the feeling that it will be for something virtually useless for residents, but will make the council plenty of money.