Throughout 2011, Surrey residents protested against SCC’s plans to implement volunteer-only libraries in Surrey. Concerned library users and volunteers raised very serious concerns about the impact that SCC’s plans would have on the affected local communities. But despite protests, petitions, letter-writing to Councillors, MPs and Government Ministers, Surrey County Council consistently refused to consult with library users, dismissed objections out of hand and failed to adequately assess impacts on residents and communities alike.
Even an offer to mix an increased use of volunteers with paid staff was summarily dismissed.
In the end, the only route left to hold the Council to account, and to apply proper scrutiny to the library plans, was to appeal for a Judicial Review.
The Legal Services Commission has granted the claimants legal aid but, due to the case being in the broad public interest and because a large number of people stand to benefit from the claim being successful, the community has been asked to make a contribution to the costs of £18,000 £12,000. We are, therefore, asking for donations from people who believe in properly staffed and resourced libraries. UPDATE – the LSC and Public Interest Lawyers have come to an agreement which reduces the Community Contribution due to £12,000.
If you can make a donation we would be extremely grateful.
Please donate using the Paypal donation on the right of this page, or to the SLAM bank account below:
Lloyds TSB
Account Title: SLAM
Account Number 48371668
Sort Code: 30-99-80.
If donating directly to the bank account, please also email to let us know at slamtreasurer12@gmail.com so that we can return any money should we win.
If you want to pay by cheque then please email slamtreasurer12@gmail.com and we will provide the address of our Treasurer.
Many thanks
Lots of succes with your campaign. I’m afraid lots of libraries are closing down because of the recession worldwide, Our library does not exsists anymore.