Brentwood Libraries Face Staff Cuts and Book Cull

Shock revelations that will have a serious impact on libraries in Essex have come to light and county councillors Barry Aspinell and David Kendall have challenged the Conservatives at Essex County Council (ECC) to come clean.

These revelations suggest that extensive cuts in staffing are being proposed along with a major cull of books.

Cllr Kendall said:

"We ask for urgent clarification on what is happening and confirmation that what we have been told by a reliable source is factually correct - that ECC is planning a large cut in staffing at Shenfield and Brentwood Libraries and the fate of Ingatestone staff numbers remains unclear. Further, we understand that the Conservative-controlled council is also imposing a recruitment freeze. Of course, these changes will have an impact on services and library opening hours.

"According to our source, one of the libraries in Brentwood has seen a reduction of 4,000 books and we understand that book stocks are being culled at other libraries across Essex.

"On December 18th the Place Services Scrutiny Committee at County Hall we was given a presentation by officers on the latest libraries strategy and plans for the service. Neither the cutting of staff or the culling of books were mentioned at this presentation so you can understand our concerns".