Petition banned from libraries as not part of 'formal' consultation (From Times Series)

Popular library petition banned from Barnet's libraries for no being part of formal consultation

12:47pm Thursday 6th January 2011 in News By Alex Hayes

A PETITION against any library closures in Barnet cannot be put in libraries themselves as they are not part of the “formal consultation”.

Campaigners were angry at the decision from Barnet Council not to allow the popular petition, which has so far gained nearly 5,000 signatures, not to be displayed in libraries.

They claimed it was not allowing people their “democratic right” to have their say and stops them targeting more elderly library users who do not have access to the online version.

A statement from the council said: “Libraries carry formal consultation by the council and appropriate public sector partners.

“They can't carry any campaign material by third parties because this does not form part of the council’s formal policy of engaging with the public both on policy issues and about review of services.”

The official consultation ended last month, but Councillor Robert Rams and officers are now going over 1,600 submissions before formulating plans.

He said the changes, with the service needing to save around £1m this year, will not see the “armageddon” suggested by the opponents, adding there were some “innovative” ideas being put forward to cabinet for the March 29 meeting.