Lyme Regis Library is threatene with closure
In December, Dorset County Council announced plans to close 20 out of 34 libraries in Dorset, this includes both Lyme Regis and Charmouth libraries.
For those of us in Lyme, this would mean a 20 mile round trip to Bridport to visit a Dorset library.
The libraries that are scheduled to remain are predominantly in the east of the County whilst those of us at the western end will be left with no easy access to library facilities.
Bournemouth and Poole Unitary authorities have 23 libraries alone in a small area. Dorset County Council propose to retain 20 libraries for the whole of the remainder of Dorset.
Lyme Regis Area Partnership (on behalf of Lyme Regis Town Council and the Lyme Regis Development Trust) have started the ball rolling to challenge the proposal. Representatives attended the Community Overview Meeting at Dorchester on Thursday 20th January and, along with supporters of Charmouth Library and AdLib, a body formed to represent Dorset libraries, lobbied Councillors and asked that the recommendation should not be passed.
The initial outcome was successful in that Councillors voted overwhelmingly to refer the matter back to the Panel for further consideration.
A petition was launched at the Club for Young People’s open day on 15th January and so far over 350 signatures have been obtained.
A meeting will be held on Monday 31st January at 7.00pm at the Woodmead Halls to try to pull together an action group to take the matter further.