The Swindon Advertiser reported on 14th March that local councillors have conceded that proper consultation did not take place in Old Town and Lawns, so they have asked officers to undertake a 3-month period of formal consultation. This decision has been broadly welcomed by campaigners. Nevertheless there is no indication, even over the matter of consultation, that the council has addressed the complaint, which alleges lack of due process and democracy in its decision to close libraries, merely that ward councillors have begun to undertake their duties in regard to consultation, without guarantee that they will continue. "We are looking forward to the council's response to the whole complaint," confirms Shirley, "and continue to reserve the right to submit it to the Local Government Ombudsman." A summary of the complaint may be found on : www.friendsofoldtownlibrary.co.uk (view in Explorer).
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