Issue - meetings

An issues paper prepared by the Opposition Group is attached for consideration of Council.

The Council rules relating to Opposition Business are also attached for information.   

Councillor Laban introduced the issues paper, prepared by the Opposition Group.

1.               Issues highlighted by Councillor Laban were as follows: 

·       That the Enfield Highway Carnegie Library, built in 1909, was one of the few old buildings in Eastern Enfield.  It was the Opposition’s view that it should be preserved and should continue to be used as a library.

·       That answers were needed as to why the proposals involving the Sexual Health Clinic had not worked out and what could be done to find another partner which would enable the library to continue as a library.

·       Why it had happened that both Edmonton Green and Enfield Highway libraries had been put under refurbishment at the same time, in one of the most deprived parts of the borough.

·       Why the library had been closed, stripped of fixtures and fittings and the books put into storage so prematurely and why the books could not have been made available to other libraries.

·       Concern at the lack of communication with the public about the library closure. 

·       The view that first floor office accommodation in a nearby business centre was not an appropriate library replacement. 

·       That for a similar cost to that of providing the inadequate temporary library - a bus with two computers and a shelf of best sellers - the original library could have been kept open. 

·       Concern that the Council had only managed to recruit 50 of the required 200 volunteers to help run the libraries.

·       That the public deserved an apology from the Cabinet member for the way that this matter had been handled.

2.               Councillor Orhan, Cabinet Member for Education, Children’s Services and Protection, responded on behalf of the Majority Group highlighting:

·       That it had been a clear manifesto commitment to keep the boroughs’ libraries open and this had been adhered to.  Councillor Orhan was proud of the library offer and proud that Enfield had the highest number of libraries in London.  All in the context of huge reductions in Government grants and a 48% reduction in revenue.

·       The new proposals for Enfield Highway Library were in her view the best option.  The library would be in a new improved location, it was a large airy open space fit for the 21^st Century, accessible and modern.  A cost effective way of delivering on the library strategy enabling the Council to retain a much used facility.  With excellent internet connectivity, public access to council services and including a specialist resource for local businesses and new start-ups. 

·       Councillor Orhan invited members to visit the new building.

·       A temporary mobile library had been provided during the closure to give residents access to library services.  Residents were also able to visit the borough’s other libraries.

·       Plans for the old library building included options for community use. 

3.               Other issues highlighted during the debate were as follows: 

a.               The need highlighted by the members of the Opposition Group:

·       To acknowledge the concern about the failure of the Cabinet members involved to ensure that projects were  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9