Local MP Welcomes Minister To Swindon To Discuss Library Trust

Yesterday Justin Tomlinson MP invited Rob Wilson, the Libraries Minister, to Swindon to meet with Swindon Borough Council regarding the future of local libraries. It follows the meeting that took place in London towards the end of last year (http://www.justintomlinson.com/news/3716-swindon-advertiser-weekly-article-2nd-december)

The meeting was an opportunity to get an update on the work to explore all options to protect our vital library network. This included a progress update on setting up a Libraries Trust for which the Government is providing funding and professional support.

The Minister also took the opportunity to visit a number of the local libraries including central library and Covingham.

Justin Tomlinson MP said: “I’ve been very clear that I don’t want to see potentially good ideas fail because they hadn’t had time to prepare. The council has said they are willing to look at things on a case by case basis and that is the approach the minister wants to see too. It was a productive meeting to give the minister an update on the work that is going on towards protecting our libraries and to discuss further options for where the government can provide assistance. I'm greatly encouraged, we seem to be making good progress and I will continue to do all I can to support this vital work."

Cllr Mary Martin added: “We were delighted to welcome the Minister For Civil Society to Swindon today, which was a great opportunity to follow up on our discussions in London in December. As part of the visit, he was shown the central library as well as Covingham library, which is well-advanced in its set up as a community run facility