Decision details

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.    Approves for public consultation the proposal to decommission Harlington library;

2.    Notes the equalities impact assessment and the measures proposed to mitigate the adverse effects of any decision to close the library;

3.    Agrees to consider the findings of the consultation at a future Cabinet meeting in order to decide on the future of Harlington library and notes that a further equalities impact assessment will be commissioned ahead of any final decision.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet agreed to consult on the decommissioning of the Harlington Public Library. The Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services noted that the library was unique and that, in essence, it was a school library that operated as a public library. The Cabinet Member noted that the library was located on the grounds of Harlington School and, as a result, students at the school were the largest user as evidenced by the equalities impact assessment.

The Cabinet Member explained that the school was being rebuilt with a brand new library further inside the school site and away from the public highway and, subject to the consultation, the Council proposes to gift the current public library stock to the school. It was further noted that there were alternative libraries nearby and that the mobile library service would continue to serve the residents in the area.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet considered, but discounted other options for the future of Harlington Library, including reduced library opening hours, making it volunteer-run and seeking an alternate location for the reasons set out in the report.