Workers Revolutionary Party - Kensal Rise library picket!

The News Line: News Thursday, 20 October 2011 Kensal Rise library picket!

Save Kensal Rise Library campaigners were joined by local children outside the library yesterday morning

Save Kensal Green Library campaigners are maintaining their round-the-clock presence outside their local library.

Outside the library yesterday morning campaigner Phil O’Shea explained: ‘This campaign started last April when the council announced that six libraries would be closed.

‘A sham consultation was held in which 82 per cent of local people rejected their proposal – Brent council ignored the result of the consultation.

‘We sought a judicial review in the High Court to prevent the closures but last Thursday the court found in the favour of Brent council.

‘Following the court’s decision the council sent along contractors to board up the library when hundreds of children rushed from the local school and surrounded the library to stop them.

‘That’s when we started the 24-hour vigil – local shops bringing tea and coffee with local residents providing hot breakfasts.

‘We have had international coverage with press from France, India, Spain and the US.

‘Ironically the library was opened on October 13 1900 by Mark Twain and on October 13 2011 the High Court made its decision in favour of Brent council closure.

‘At Preston library in Kenton the council have built a “Berlin Wall” to prevent people from reading books. It’s cultural vandalism.’

Yesterday a judge ordered that the process to hear the case in the High Court should be speeded up and ordered an urgent hearing of the appeal.