It's a case of good news not taking the front page while bad news does but our community campaign in Seven Kings, led by TASK, for a static library in the area has been successful, as has been reported this week in a small Ilford Recorder story this week.
The Council's Cabinet have approved funding for a temporary static library, in the order of £200,000. They have a short list of locations for this library, primarily along Seven Kings High Road and are aiming to have the library open by Christmas. Additionally, longer-term plans are being developed to locate a swimming pool, fitness centre, one-stop Council shop, and library on the Seven Kings Lorry Park site.
Cllr Weinberg, the Cabinet member for Leisure, has been reported as saying:
"I would like nothing better than for it to open by the end of this calendar year but that is not in our hands - it's down to legal processes etcetera. If we can make it a Christmas present, then all the better."
Cllr Weinberg was Leader of the Council last year when TASK's petition calling for a static Library and signed by over 2,000 local residents was presented to the Council at a time when Cabinet was discussing an initial report on the possibility of a static Library in Seven Kings. At that time Cabinet dismissed the possibility claiming lack of funds. Our campaign continued, political change occurred within the Council, and Seven Kings is to have a static Library again after 17 years without. What a difference a year can make in politics!
A working group consisting of Council officers, local councillors, members of TASK and the wider community, will now meet regularly to progress the development of the new library and will work together to ensure the new facility is works well for the community.
Ali Hai, from TASK, has said:
“The people of Seven Kings are delighted with the news that after a long hard struggle lasting almost 18 years, a static library will again be located in the area of Seven Kings. The library will be a highly valuable asset in a community where there are limited community spaces and where the rapidly increasing, diverse and ageing population have ever greater needs for basic quality public services such as a library in close vicinity.
We hope the coming of this library will also be the long awaited start of the journey towards regenerating this key area in Ilford South and that it will form the catalysis of positive change across the South of the Borough. We are very grateful to politicians from all parties who supported the plans for the new Seven Kings library and to the Council officers who will hopefully deliver this library to us in time for a Christmas opening.”
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Robert Randolph & The Family Band - Going In The Right Direction.
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