Following the successful read-in at New Cross library on Saturday, some protesters decided to stay and occupy the building peacefully to protest the proposed closure. Blogger SE13URE has a report on the day's events. More than 450 libraries and mobile services across the country are currently threatened with closure. Yesterday was Save Our Libraries Day, which saw more than … [Read more...]
Protest against closures with library read-ins
Demonstrations to protest library closures will take place on 5 February 2011, with over forty library "read-ins" scheduled across the country in a coordinated protest over the threatened closures. In Lewisham read-ins are planned to take place at Crofton Park, New Cross, Blackheath, Sydenham and Grove Park from 11.30pm. To take part in the demonstration just turn up at … [Read more...]
Statement on spending cuts
Lewisham Council is absorbing the true scale of the spending cuts it is faced with following the Government’s announcement of the money it proposes to give local councils over the next two years. The Council had been planning to have to reduce its budget by £60million over the next three years. Following the recent announcement, it now seems it will be forced to find … [Read more...]
Mayor asks Lewisham community groups to run libraries
Lewisham Mayor Steve Bullock has deferred a decision on the proposed closure of five of the council’s 12 libraries and instead called on local residents to join forces to manage local sites – on a voluntary basis - so that they can remain open. Cllr Chris Best, Lewisham’s cabinet member for community services, said: ‘We would like to explore ways in which community … [Read more...]
£16m savings agreed by Mayor
On 17 November, The Mayor of Lewisham, Sir Steve Bullock, agreed savings that will reduce Lewisham Council’s budget by £16.395m. The Council’s mayor and cabinet meeting had to be adjourned for half an hour as anti-cuts campaigners packed into the chamber and drowned out the discussions. Councillors discussed holding the meeting behind closed doors but eventually resumed … [Read more...]
Council renews fireworks appeal with eBay auction
Lewisham Council is aiming to boost its public appeal for donations towards this year’s Blackheath fireworks on 6 November by offering the chance to bid on eBay for a VIP night out at South London’s largest firework display. The VIP package includes the privilege of starting the firework display itself. Blackheath fireworks has established itself as one of the biggest, … [Read more...]
Penny for the Guy and a pound for the fireworks
Blackheath Fireworks has established itself as one of the biggest, best, and most popular free fireworks displays in the capital. But no public activity can be immune to the effects of cuts in public spending so the Mayor of Lewisham is asking pyrotechnophiles all over London to join him by digging into their pockets to ensure that the Blackheath fireworks don’t end up as damp … [Read more...]