Greenfield and Uppermill libraries "must re-open" say Lib Dems

Lib Dem spokesman Jeff Garner at Greenfield Library

The Liberal Democrats are demanding that Greenfield and Uppermill libraries are re-opened following the government announcement of a relaxation of Covid regulations.
                                          
Liberal Democrat spokesman for Greenfield, Jeff Garner, has welcomed the Government’s commitment to reopen public libraries from 12th April and has called on Oldham Council to reopen Greenfield and Uppermill Libraries that week.

Oldham Council previously rejected calls to re-open Greenfield and Uppermill Libraries because "local physical access to library books and IT for the Saddleworth & Lees area will continue to be provided at Lees and Delph libraries”.   

Liberal Democrat Councillor Kevin Dawson said residents in Greenfield and Uppermill have felt like "second class citizens for months" and are angry that Oldham Council has "ignored them".

"Travelling several miles to Lees or Delph is not an option for many residents, especially for people without cars.”

“During these difficult times, and especially during lockdown, borrowing and reading library books is an important leisure activity for many people.”

Mr Garner added: “As well as books and audio books, Greenfield and Uppermill Libraries provide free access to computers, important to those who do not have such facilities, particularly those seeking jobs."

In the lockdown restrictions announced in January, some libraries have been able to remain open to provide access to IT and digital services, and for click-and-collect services.

On Monday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced libraries and community centres can reopen fully from 12th April.  The re-opening is subject to four conditions being met:

• The coronavirus vaccine programme continues to go to plan
• Vaccines are sufficiently reducing the number of people dying with the virus or needing hospital treatment
• Infection rates do not risk a surge in hospital admissions
• New coronavirus variants do not fundamentally change the risk of lifting restrictions.

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