Public outcry saves Tredegar Park and other libraries from closure after budget proposal sparked petitions.
Allan Screen started the Tredegar House petition. He values the library’s services a lot. He sees it as a community hub for learning, and worried closure would hurt the neighborhood. Libraries bring resources and chances to learn. He said his library is a safe and crucial space.
Closing a library means denying knowledge to people. He urged officials to rethink their plan. He believes that voices together can make change.
Councillor Dimitri Batrouni said that all libraries will be saved. He posted this on social media.
He said his budget focuses on local issues after listening. He made changes to the budget proposal. This happened at a cabinet meeting on February 12. Councillor Rhian Howells shared some good news. Tredegar House library would not close and all libraries and community centers are safe.
Victoria Darke and Thomas Scott reacted to this online. They both said “Great news!”. People were also worried about the Rivermead Centre. The center could have faced a Community Asset Transfer, but that plan got scrapped too.
Councillor John Reynolds said residents were heard. He said he and Yvonne Forsey campaigned. The public talks made a difference. He believes the council listened to concerns.