In a Westminster Hall debate on Public Library Closures earlier in the week, Andrew Rosindell M.P., Member of Parliament for Romford, made an intervention during a speech by former Leader of Redbridge Council, Jas Athwal M.P.
He asked how Redbridge was able to innovate and turn these libraries into recreational spaces and community hubs, when Labour and the Resident's Association in Havering would not to listen to suggestions of this nature, despite repeated calls from Andrew and thousands of residents in the borough to do just that.
The hon. Member was leader of Redbridge council, which neighbours my borough of Havering, and I congratulate him on managing to keep the libraries in Ilford open. Will he explain, however, why the Labour and Havering Residents Association-run council that neighbours Redbridge has not managed to do the same, such that Gidea Park library, South Hornchurch library and Harold Wood library are closing? Surely we should make libraries community hubs and keep them alive for everyone to use and enjoy.
Andrew Rosindell M.P., Member of Parliament for Romford
