I write to ask if Councillor Robert Rams, a Tory councillor for East Barnet ward, would like to be known as the man who slashed and closed down libraries in the borough?

There are a plethora of reasons why our libraries should remain open as they are.

Among the fact that numerous families (including my own) have regularly used libraries in both East Barnet and High Barnet, access to libraries is a social right in a free and literate society.

According to Barnet Council’s very own figures, out a total of some £847 million spent in 2009/10, just £6.9m was spent on libraries across Barnet (ie less than one per cent).

Put in perspective and based on the council’s numbers, more is spent on parking at £7m.

And just 12 days of housing benefit in Barnet would equate to the entire annual expenditure on libraries, which is incongruous.

So, where is the logic in slashing library budgets?

If the current council leadership wants some bright ideas (as it requested in a recent council publication available incidentally at our libraries), might it be suggested it allocates more effort to cutting other budgets that are way out of control and reducing money thrown at spurious consultants and advisers?

Roger Aitken, Liberal Democrat Barnet group Jackson Road, East Barnet