Rhondda Cynon Taf Labour’s pledge about Public Libraries in 2012
Library Services
Back in 2012 the Labour run Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s pledge about Public Libraries below is what they said.
Community Learning
Labour Councillors will commit to the protection of Library Services into the future, with the development of further modern and shared facilities. Labour Councillors will increase the book fund reduced by Plaid.
But what did the Labour controlled council do across RCT?
They closed 13 libraries in Beddau, Cilfynydd, Nantgarw, Tonyrefail, Ynysybwl, Maerdy, Penygraig, Ton Pentre, Treherbert, Tylorstown, Ynyshir, Cwmbach and Penrhiwceiber all closed their doors for good in June 2014.
They also wanted to close Pontyclun and Rhydyfelin libraries but Protesters chained themselves to bookshelves at Rhydyfelin library before it closed on 31 May. The people started fighting to keep Rhydyfelin library open, the people were then granted a judicial review over plans to shut the facility. A judge was due to investigate the council's decision to close the library at a hearing when RCTC withdrew its decision to close the library.
Well done to the Rhydyfelin organisers for getting RCTC library to remain open, but why did it come to this, local residents having to take our local council to court, the council backed down, the council didn’t want to have the publicity of a judicial review.
Aberdare library remains open, RCTC moved the One4All centre into the ground floor of the library from the Rock Grounds in Aberdare cutting opening times from 42.5 hours a week to 32.5 hours.
You have to ask the question why was the One4All placed in the Rock Grounds in the first place that must have cost council taxpayers thousands and then thousands to move it into Aberdare library, its your money Labour is spending irresponsibly.
One4All services at Mountain Ash Library were also cut from 25 hours to 15 hours.
