Sir, – I am very concerned about the proposed closure of Bedale Library, or replacing the current part-time, experienced library assistants with volunteers.
Cllr. Weighell says that cuts must be made, but his basic allowance as a councillor is £8,994 p.a. + £24,704 special responsibility allowance + car and subsistence allowance, and the council has recently spent £60,000 on installing a new sound system.
If councillors took a few cuts, libraries could be kept open and library assistants' jobs preserved. As it is, more and more of our public services are being slashed or are dependent on volunteers.
I am told there will be a public meeting in Bedale in the New Year to discuss the issue. I do hope one of your reporters will be there to cover it.
CECILIA FLETCHER
Bedale.
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