COUNCIL bosses say they are prepared to to fork out more than £100,000 in a bid to save two libraries from closure.

Essex County Council has put about two-thirds of libraries, including Vange and Fryerns libraries, at risk as part of plans to reform the service.

Echo:

Positive - Kerry Smith

But the proposals have been widely criticised.

Now Basildon Council has unanimously backed a call to set aside £109,000 to help save the libraries.

The proposal, put forward by independent Councillor Kerry Smith from Basildon Council, to invest money into saving Vange and Fryerns libraries, was backed unanimously by councillors.

The motion was put forward to a meeting if the full council on Thursday. The money is part of the extra £168,000 which the council is due to get this year as a result of increasing council tax for empty premises across the borough.

As a topic on the agenda for Basildon Council’s full meeting on March 28, the majority agreed with the amendment, which proposed that using the excess of £109,000 out of £168,000 that is to be raised by increasing council tax for empty premises across Basildon, should be put towards investing in these libraries.

The proposal still needs backing from Essex County Council for it to go ahead.

In order for this proposal to go ahead, it has to be agreed by Essex County Council. A decision is yet to be made by the council.

After hearing of the result, independent councillor Kerry Smith, who put the motion forward, said: “It’s absolutely fantastic, I’ve spoken to two colleagues from the county to see if they can get this same method repeated across Essex.

“I know this has cross-party support and this result will send the message that we’ll do whatever it takes to defend these invaluable services. Now we’ve got to put pressure on county council to adopt this.”

Vange and Fryerns libraries could be set to close, alongside 23 other libraries run by the council, who are marked as tier four in the future library services strategy. More than 21,000 people responded to the consultation which closed in February and now groups from all over the county have come forward to run community managed library services.

Groups including pre-schools, parish councils, churches, and community groups, have shown their support, with 50 expressions of interest being received so far.

Susan Barker, Essex County Council cabinet member for libraries, said: “We’ve been delighted with the number and broad range of groups that have come forward and have started to engage with these groups and local communities in these areas, however no decisions have been made.

"Detailed proposals and agreement with community groups and organisations is expected to take place following approval of the Final Libraries Strategy.”