Join in fight and don't let them take the Mick (From Bucks Free Press)

Join in fight and don't let them take the Mick

10:29am Thursday 1st December 2005 in News

MIDWEEK is warning library bosses: Don't Take The Mick as we join forces with residents to declare war on plans to close Micklefield library.

Today we launch a campaign against the proposed closure and are urging all our readers to rally behind us. The library is one of eight in Bucks facing the chop under proposals to save Buckinghamshire County Council money.

But we say the only thing they should be saving is a vital service which is adored by pensioners, parents and children.

Today we say "Don't Take The Mick" because:
- It is vital for Micklefield residents and those in nearby areas;

- It goes against county council targets of improving literacy rates;

- Micklefield is one of the poorest areas in Wycombe and this would further deprive it;

- Many library users don't have their own transport and would face longer journeys to the nearest town centre library;

- Replacement mobile libraries would only come once a fortnight and are inflexible with people's lives. Children are required to do homework on computers and mobile libraries would not be readily available.

Midweek met other protestors outside Micklefield Library on Saturday to show our support. Cllr Julia Wassell, county councillor for the area, says she is now confident of a victory. She said: "With Midweek behind us we feel there is every chance of success now and we will be trying to get hold of some serious funding for the library."

Joanne Lowe, 52, of Buckingham Drive, Micklefield said: "This is the heart of the community. I only came here in April and made all my friends through the library."

Wajid Mohammed, 19, of Plantation Road, said the library is crucial to his life because he has special needs. He said: "I'm on benefits at the moment and it would be hard for me if this went. Jean the librarian helps me look for books because I have learning difficulties."

Mr Mohammed, a former Highcrest Community School pupil, says he uses the library most of the week because he is unemployed. The council says Micklefield, alongside other libraries, is under-used and expensive to maintain.

Keep up to date with our campaign every week in Midweek