Nicholas Dobson follows the story of the Brent library closures
Hercules is notable for successful completion of twelve particularly challenging “labours”. These included: slaying the Nemean lion (a deceptive monster with impenetrable golden fur) and writing-off the toxic-dunged, man-eating Stymphalian birds. Echoes of these labours may spring to mind when considering the factors underpinning Brent Council’s decision to close six public libraries as outlined in last month’s judgment of Ouseley J (R (Bailey and others) v. London Borough of Brent Council [2011] EWHC 2572 (Admin), [2011] All ER (D) 123 (Oct)).
Library closures challenged
In the light of anticipated budget cuts and earlier work in this area (and following extensive consultation and an equalities impact assessment (EIA)) the council’s executive (a group of senior decision-making council members) decided to adopt part of the “libraries transformation project” (LTP) recommended by officers. This would involve closure of six of the borough’s 12 public libraries.
The claimants challenging the decision were residents of the Brent borough who (with their supporters) use the libraries in question.
