Cockerton library (From The Northern Echo)

Cockerton library

6:09pm Friday 3rd February 2012 in Letters

BRIAN Jefferson said that Labour Councillors Jan Cossins and David Regan are remaining quiet in order to “toe the party line” about the proposed closure of Cockerton library, in Darlington (HAS, Feb 1).

It was, in fact, Mrs Cossins and Mr Regan, along with other concerned councillors from across the political spectrum, who organised the public meetings which highlighted the proposals and helped set up an official Friends of Cockerton Library group.

These councillors are well aware of the strength of feeling among residents of Cockerton.

The library is a hugely valuable resource for a wide cross section of the community and both councillors and Darlington residents are now working together to help save the service from the cuts.

Should Mr Jefferson have a few spare minutes, he would be very welcome to help collect signatures, or to join us for National Libraries Day tomorrow at the library when we shall be encouraging as many people as possible to borrow books to emphasise what an important service this is.

An online petition is available through the council website.

Paper copies of the petition, along with further details of the campaign, are available at friendsofcockertonlibrary.btck.co.uk Lara France, Darlington.

I HAVE just completed a stint outside Cockerton library asking people to sign a petition against its proposed closure.

The response over the past few days has been teriffic. Many thanks to all who have signed.

Every signature counts and helps us to keep up the pressure against this closure.

As I stood in the cold, a very well behaved crocodile of young children and their teachers passed me and entered the library. Having changed their books, they went back to school.

I reflected that for the sake of saving a few quid, Darlington councillors are denying these children, and future generations, enjoyment from books.

How will councillors explain their actions to these children?

Darlington is towards the bottom of councils in this country for library provision.

Once Cockerton is closed it will never be replaced.

Help us keep up the pressure.

See our website (as above) and help us get the required number of signatures for the council to take notice.

We are also on Facebook.

Don’t moan after it has gone.

Mike Crawley, Darlington.