How did Judge McKenna describe the councils process of deciding to shut down Matson library? Try "draconian", "unlawful", and "bad government". The judge used stronger language than many of us would dare to use.
It is worth celebrating that the judge made an important note of the "contributions of local residents". The decision to law was supported by Matson library users. It was also bolstered by the visible show of support we gave through public meetings we organised ourselves, the signing of petitions and letter-writing, and the vigil we organised.
We have helped make this happen and we can help ourselves to continue to speak truth to power even when the powers-that-be don't want to listen.
Our MP claimed to have saved Matson Library, and perhaps he genuinely thought he had. But the judge has ruled that, in legal terms, a community library has no validity and so amounts to a closed library. So he was technically wrong as well as confused over the geography of the estate.
It was a can't-do attitude that didn't believe we could win our case, an attitude we all fall into because we're used to not being heard. But we can and we might. We could save our library.
Email Mark Hawthorne.
Encourage neighbours to join the library.
Visit Matson library.
Let me know your stories of why Matson library is important to you.
We have until the 20th January, before the so-called consultation starts. We need to be putting regular pressure on the decision-makers. Remind them who they work for. Remind them whose community this is.
Important developments expected on Wednesday. Watch this space for the latest on Matson Library on Wednesday 21 December. Will the winter solstice welcome in the new light of spring? Only if we keep a fire burning.
It is worth celebrating that the judge made an important note of the "contributions of local residents". The decision to law was supported by Matson library users. It was also bolstered by the visible show of support we gave through public meetings we organised ourselves, the signing of petitions and letter-writing, and the vigil we organised.
We have helped make this happen and we can help ourselves to continue to speak truth to power even when the powers-that-be don't want to listen.
Our MP claimed to have saved Matson Library, and perhaps he genuinely thought he had. But the judge has ruled that, in legal terms, a community library has no validity and so amounts to a closed library. So he was technically wrong as well as confused over the geography of the estate.
It was a can't-do attitude that didn't believe we could win our case, an attitude we all fall into because we're used to not being heard. But we can and we might. We could save our library.
Email Mark Hawthorne.
Encourage neighbours to join the library.
Visit Matson library.
Let me know your stories of why Matson library is important to you.
We have until the 20th January, before the so-called consultation starts. We need to be putting regular pressure on the decision-makers. Remind them who they work for. Remind them whose community this is.
Important developments expected on Wednesday. Watch this space for the latest on Matson Library on Wednesday 21 December. Will the winter solstice welcome in the new light of spring? Only if we keep a fire burning.
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