LIB DEM MEMBERS PART OF SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGN TO REOPEN DEEPINGS’ LIBRARY

Deepings residents have been fighting for three years to ensure that the Library reopens in its original building, and were rewarded with success on 30 January.

George Smid - Liberal Democrat Parliamentary spokesperson at Deeping Library

Lincolnshire County Council closed the Library, with the approval of Market Deeping County Councillor, Peter Robinson (Conservative), despite the fact that it served a growing community and was busier than some Libraries the County Council planned to keep open.

A staggering 9,000 of the 15,000 population of the Deepings - including Lib Dem Cllr Adam Brookes and many other local Lib Dem members - signed a petition against closure. Court cases, much hard work, discussion, action and protest all helped result in a successful outcome.

The building has been totally refurbished (at the County Council's expense), and both Market Deeping Town council and the Deeping St James Parish council have offered financial support. A part time coordinator has been appointed, and the first group of volunteers are trained and raring to go.

The Library is re-opening for 15 hours a week initially and the modernised offices are available for rent, to bring in some revenue.

So it shows what can be done by a Community that is determined to work together to achieve change!