Campaigners protest against Southchurch Library relocation plan

Summarised from BBC Essex's report · Updated 9 Oct, 07:00 · Archive

Campaigners protested the potential relocation of Southchurch Library in Southend-on-Sea.

Campaigners gathered outside Southchurch Library in Lifstan Way on Wednesday evening to protest against potential plans to relocate the facility. The protest marked the end of a consultation period in which Southend-on-Sea City Council considered either moving services elsewhere in the city, relocating them to Southend Adult Community College, or building a new structure on the existing site.

Campaigners argued that any relocation would make the library less accessible and discourage families from using it. James Miller, leader of the Southend Confelicity political group, noted that the library serves around 30,000 people annually and is situated near seven schools, four bus routes and four major roads. Fellow campaigner Lee Clark said the library was not simply a building that could be moved without affecting the entire community.

The library, built in 1972, was designed to last about 25 years. The council said it now shows 'significant signs of age and deterioration'. Labour cabinet member Matt Dent said no final decision had been made and that if residents responded negatively to the proposals, their views would be considered.

Read the report

• Campaigners protest against library relocationSouthend-on-Sea City Council says no decision has been made on the site's future.BBC Essex · 9 Oct, 06:14

In this story: Southchurch Library · Southend-on-Sea · Matt Dent · James Miller · Lee Clark

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