Heavy cuts planned across Bexley Council libraries

Bexley Council are proposing a number of cuts across their library service in a meeting tonight.

Staff will be cut, with 28 out of 68 posts being lost. The cuts would see the main library in Bexleyheath close on Sundays alongside evening closure throughout the week and self service only in the mornings.

The list of cuts include:

  • self service in the mornings and a staffed service in the
    afternoons;
  • each core library to close a day a week
  • no evening opening;
  • no Sunday opening at Central library
  • limited events and activity programmes

The Council states the cuts will save £570,000 from 2022/23. That excludes staff redundancy costs.

Thamesmead library is not yet completed

The proposal would also reduce or cease the funding for six community managed libraries. This could “save up to £200k”.

Community management deals end in March 2021 for Bexley Village, Bostall, Blackfen, Northumberland Heath and Upper Belvedere libraries and in December 2021 for Slade Green.

New Thamesmead library

Despite these cuts the authority have announced intentions to open two libraries. One is a flagship site at a new development in Thamesmead and another alongside a cinema in Sidcup which is due to commence building work in January. What will happen to these libraries is unknown.

 

 

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I've lived in south east London most of my life growing up in Greenwich borough and working in the area for many years. The site has contributors on occasion and we cover many different topics. Living and working in the area offers an insight into what is happening locally.

3 thoughts on “Heavy cuts planned across Bexley Council libraries

  • I note that one of the main Community orientated Services is being reduced but no Council Staff being laid off….and Services being outsourced privately in a competitive environment…..
    Self Interest is always No 1
    Council employees have been fully paid the last 8 months in the main

    Reply
    • No they haven’t, and did you miss the bit about staff cuts of almost half the entire workforce?

      Reply
  • Pingback: Bexley cuts: More details emerge as emergency funds sought | Murky Depths

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