One example I would particularly like to highlight came from the current Opposition Leader, Labour's Cllr John Hough, who, during his speech opposing the changes, appeared to cast doubts on the viability of many of the expressions of interest from groups wishing to take over the running of most of the 30 odd so called Tier 3 libraries, including at least two to run my local one in North Hykeham, which were 'under threat'. His remarks would appear to dovetail with the claim made earlier in the week by at least one major opponent of the scheme that many of those who had submitted an expression of interest to run their libraries had done so because of coercion and fear rather than from a sincere desire to preserve a service they especially valued.

In particular, Cllr Hough queried whether Parish Councils, many of whom were on the list of interested parties, were best placed, for mainly financial reasons, to take on such a role (although I suspect a perceived lack of expertise may have swayed his judgement as well). This comes from a local politician who recently turned his and, I presume, his Group's back on supporting any structural reform of local government, which could be the long term salvation for many of the services, like libraries, currently under threat, a stance apparently supported by members of at least five out of the seven groups currently operating on the County Council. As the advocate of even more Councils and councillors Cllr Hough does not appear to have much confidence in their ability to deliver, particularly at third tier level. Or perhaps he believes that he and his group are the only ones who actually know what is best for the rest of us!

Whatever Echo readers might think of the rights and wrongs of the current libraries proposals, I hope that they would agree with me that to belittle the abilities of well meaning volunteers, whether local interest groups or pro active Parish and Town Councils, is hardly a way to win your side of the argument.

Yours faithfully,

Cllr John Marriott