Rayleigh and Wickford MP, Mark Francois, who has campaigned for months to save both Hockley and Hullbridge libraries in his constituency, has warmly welcomed today’s announcement by Essex County Council that no libraries are due to close in Essex for at least five years. A statement in the name of County Councillor David Finch, the Leader of Essex County Council, was issued by County Hall this morning, confirming that it is now the County Council’s intention to ensure that “a library service is retained in every current location.”
Last month, Mark led a delegation of local councillors including County Councillor Mike Steptoe, County Councillor Carole Weston and Hullbridge Parish Council Chair Angelina Marriott to County Hall to seek to persuade ECC to change tack and keep the libraries open. The delegation also included Carla Vaughan and Megan Hemmings of Save Hockley Library and Tony Pinnock, the Secretary of the Friends of Hullbridge Library.
As part of the visit, Mark also had a meeting with David Finch to plead the case in person for the Libraries continued future. Having received an overwhelming response from across Essex in favour of retaining the libraries, the County Council have now reacted positively in reply.
Commenting on the welcome news Mark Francois MP said:
“I am delighted that Essex County Council have listened to the views of 21,000 Essex residents who replied to their consultation exercise, who were overwhelmingly in favour of keeping the libraries open. I commend County Councillors David Finch and Sue Barker for listening to the people and I would also like to congratulate those residents and councillors, who campaigned successfully in my constituency to defend the library service, which means so much to all of them. Essex County Council have clearly listened and common sense has fortunately prevailed.”
