Ore Library

Ore Library closure threat

At the Cabinet meeting on 19 September, East Sussex County Council agreed to consult on a proposal to close 7 of the county’s 24 libraries – including Ore – in order to save £653,000. The consultation runs until 14 December. Cllrs Street and Wincott report in their monthly update about Ore.

“It costs a total of £15,000 a year to run Ore Library. Ore has been chosen because, it is claimed, it is within 20 minutes by car or 30 minutes by public transport from two other libraries – Hastings Central and Hollington – and an ‘outreach’ service could be provided at East Hastings Children’s Centre in Chiltern Drive.”

Cllrs Street and Wincott are totally opposed to this proposal. “Ore Library serves two of the most deprived estates in the country (Down Farm and Broomgrove) many of whose residents do not own a car and could not afford the bus fare to either Hastings town centre or Hollington. For many older residents, it is a vital link to the outside world, not just to borrow books but to chat with the staff, who are always friendly and helpful.

“Another justification for the closure is the ‘enhancement’ of the eLibrary service but many residents only have access to the internet via the computers in the library, so how will this help them? Further, many services including claiming benefits and seeking jobs can only be done online.

“Our fire station was threatened with closure a few years ago and massive local opposition backed up by strong arguments stopped it. Our public toilets were threatened with closure earlier this year and we stopped that, too. Let’s hope we can do the same with this outrageous proposal.

“We have started a public Facebook group, Save Ore Library, for people to share their reasons for saving the library and experiences of using it.

“If you agree, please sign the petition at the Ore Community Centre or one of the shops in Ore Village or online at www.goo.gl/pMqaMx. It is also important to complete the official consultation either online at www.goo.gl/R8xtD5 or paper at any library.

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