Robert Halfon puts pressure on Essex County Council after planned library closures

ON Monday, Robert Halfon, MP for Harlow, sent a letter to David Finch, Leader of Essex County Council, to voice his opposition to the planned closures of Mark Hall and Tye Green libraries in the town.

In Essex County Council’s plans, the libraries have been categorised as tier 4 meaning that they have been deemed as being in “Locations with low evidence of need” and have a very high chance of being closed down.

Robert Halfon said “These libraries are in areas where people depend most on them. They are both very close to secondary schools in Harlow and provide a vital service to all in our community.”

The planned closures come as part of an attempt to modernise Essex’s library services. This would see an improvement to online library services by offering more e-books and a 24/7 library service.

While Robert does not oppose the modernisation of library services, he believes that keeping traditional library services is vital for the education of all people.

Robert added “As Chair of the Education Select Committee, I greatly value these libraries’ ability to offer free educational resources to everyone and this will only help the people in Harlow.”

Mr Halfon has urged Councillor Finch to reconsider plans to close libraries in Harlow and hopes to receive a response from him shortly.