Campaign launched by Alan Mak MP and Emsworth councillors to keep Emsworth Library open

Residents are being urged by Havant MP Alan Mak and their local councillors to sign up for a campaign to stop Emsworth Library being closed under the current Hampshire County Council consultation.

The county council has proposed 10 libraries could be closed due to many factors including being under-used by the public, and Emsworth library is at risk. Others in this areas include Horndean, Elson in Gosport and Lee-on-the-Solent.

Options for the libraries’ future include reducing opening hours, greater community involvement, moving to cheaper sites or complete closure.

Both Mr Mak and the Emsworth councillors have been in contact with Councillor Sean Woodward, Hampshire County Council executive member for recreation and leisure, including organising a meeting to discuss the issue where they called on Cllr Woodward to keep the library open.

Mr Mak, who has launched a campaign at alanmak.org.uk/EmsworthLibrary, said: ‘I want Emsworth Library to stay open, and I will be working with local councillors and the community to persuade Hampshire County Council to keep the library even if it moves to a new location with cheaper rent.

‘Libraries are about more than books – they are an important community hub. My meeting with Cllr Woodward was very constructive and I am pleased that Hampshire County Council is open to new solutions to provide library services in Emsworth.’

They hope to find a solution that would involve a new town centre location but retaining services such as a full-time librarian.

Lulu Bowerman, Emsworth councillor, said: ‘Emsworth councillors share residents’ concern and disappointment about the potential closure of our library which is such an important facility for so many in our community.’

Hampshire County councillor Ray Bolton added: ‘I also urge residents who care about the issue to use the library so its usage figures rise and respond to the consultation.

‘Currently the response to the consultation is lower from Emsworth than from other affected areas, so we need to make sure decision-makers know the strength of feeling in Emsworth.’

To have your say on the consultation, visit hants.gov.uk/aboutthecouncil/haveyoursay/consultations/library-consultation.