Update from Save Preston Library Campaign

Brent Council have given an undertaking NOT TO  take any steps to dispose of any of the library buildings, and that the stock at Preston will not be disposed of now - nor will any steps be taken to that end. We expect the Council also to agree not to do anything that will prevent the reopening of any library should the appeal succeed. However, we are not yet clear whether this is also an agreement not to remove stock from libraries which are still intact - Preston and Kensal Rise. We will pass on more news when it is available. The Appeal is likely to be heard around November 10-11.

 In the meantime, we are maintaining our presence outside Preston Library. Although it is a breezy corner, it is becoming quite cosy - with lots of support, tea and cake from neighbours. If you can spare some time tomorrow to join in - that would be great. Today there was a children's reading circle after school. Please bring candles if you come after dusk.

 Take a look at the Preston Library Democracy Wall on YouTube - courtesy of Brent Greens:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gXrRARePks&feature=player_embedded

 

. Lots more photos of Brent's Wall of Shame and up to date news at http://brentlibraries.wordpress.com/

 

Green MEP Supports Occupy London Stock Exchange

Green MEP for London, Jean Lambert, has issued the following statement on the Occupy London Stock Exchange protest currently taking place in the City of London:

The vast majority of people demonstrating over the last few days want to take part in a peaceful protest to voice their concerns about corporate greed and growing inequality, both at home and around the world.  I wholeheartedly support their calls for an end to global tax injustice, independent regulation of the banking industry and concrete action to repair and protect crucial public services.  Indeed, these are principles that many would support.

With unemployment now at its highest level for almost twenty years and the financial system in crisis, it is no wonder that so many people feel betrayed and let down by the governments and the financial sector.  The system has, for far too long, been unaccountable and irresponsible and now we are all paying a heavy price.  I hope that the UK Government listens to the messages of discontent being aired and realise that the public demand positive change.

Over the coming days, it is crucial that those participating in the Occupy London demonstration are able to exercise their right to peaceful protest, unhindered by inappropriate policing.  I urge police and authorities to show restraint and maintain a low profile presence in the absence of any significant disorder.

 

Libraries appeal fast-tracked. Council to take no 'irrevocable' steps that would prevent the libraries being re-opened

The Council has agreed to take no irrevocable steps to prevent the six threatened libraries being reopened in the event of a appeal against the High Court's ruling succeeding. It is unclear whether that covers removal of stock and equipment and clarification is being sought. Meanwhile vigils at Preston and Kensal Rise libraries continue.

The appeal is likely to be heard early next month.

From  the Guardian:

A judge has fast-tracked an urgent hearing of an appeal against Brent council’s closure of six libraries.

Lord Justice Elias granted an appeal against a ruling made last week in the high court that Brent council’s decision was lawful. He ordered that attempts should be made for it to be heard before the court of appeal on two days early next month.

Brent council has agreed, in the meantime, to take no irrevocable steps to prevent the libraries reopening in the event of the appeal being won.

Campaigners have mounted vigils outside two of the threatened libraries, Preston Road, which has already been boarded up by the council, and Kensal Rise, to ensure they are not emptied of books or computers while the legal dispute continues.

"Whenever I hear the word culture I call in security guards"

Susan MacKenzie, Brent's head of the library service, yesterday supervised four security men to strip Cricklewood Library of books and IT equipment. The action happened on the eve of  legal attempts to limit such moves by Brent Council pending an appeal against the High Court decision in favour of the Council. There was a hasty attempt by local people to stop the action but the doors were blocked by the security guards.

Meanwhile the 24 hour vigil outside Kensal Rise Library continues and Preston Library supporters are calling for local people to join them outside the library to prevent the Council seizing books and equipment.

Library Campaign gets permission to appeal

Brent SOS Library Campaign's solicitors have been granted leave to appeal. They will be at court tomorrow at 10am to tell the Court what needs to be done to prevent the libraries being destroyed by Brent Council prior to the hearing.

Preston Library Campaign is calling for some people to go to the Court but emphasisies that they still need people outside the library to prevent books and equipment being taken away.

Council workers stopped from moving books and equipment from Preston Library

Campaigners defending Preston Library have been successful in stopping council workers from removing books and equipment.

Preston  Library is one of those the Council has been seeking to sell off.

LINK to slideshow on Save Preston Library website

Monday: Council Executive Meeting, Library Fundraiser, and Climate Change Talk

There is an interesting choice for activists tomorrow, Monday October 17th. The first choice is between two sets of comedians...

At 7pm the Council Executive meets. Among the items on the agenda are the petition to reverse street cleaning cuts and the new Green Charter. Despite some revisions after consultation, the latter has been criticised for still having no targets, no extra staff or resources, and no measurable outcomes. Cllr Powney's foreword has been declared insipid. There is also an item on the procurement of a decentralised energy system on the South Kilburn estate. AGENDA

The Executive whizzes through the agenda so there should still be time to go on to:

STAND UP FOR LIBRARIES (Phil Jupitus, Robin Ince,  the legendary Robyn Hitchcock and others) - Queens Park Community School - Doors 6.30pm - show 7.30pm. I understand that Alexi Sayle may also be appearing.

OR...

China Miéville, award-winning fantasy fiction writer and author of the young adults' novel, “Un Lun Dun” will be appearing at the Willesden Green Library Centre on Monday 17^th October at 7.30pm to talk about creative fiction writing and the challenge of climate change.

BBC London News on Kensal Rise Library Vigil

BBC London News reports today on the Kensal Rise Library Vigil LINK