Save Burnage Library

Guidance on writing a letter of objection.

One of the most effective methods of protest is personal letters or e-mails of objection to the City Council.

It is important that all those who use or appreciate the Library write - even a short note is worthwhile. You should send your letter or e-mail as soon as possible and before Thursday 7^th of March. If you need help ring me, Sam Darby on 432-4496 between 9am and 9pm please.

Send you letter or e-mail to some or all of the following: the first three are the most important

· Sir Richard Leese, Leader of the Council, Manchester Town Hall, Manchester, M60 2LA, (email: r.leese@manchester.gov.uk)

· Cllr. Sue Murphy, Deputy Leader of the Council, Manchester Town Hall, Albert Square, Manchester, M60 2LA. (email: cllr.s.murphy@manchester.gov.uk)

· Cllr. Jeff Smith, Executive Member for Finance and Human Resources, 19 Burton Road, Withington, Manchester, M20 3GD. (email: cllr.j.smith@manchester.gov.uk)

· Sir Howard Bernstein, Chief Executive, Manchester City Council, Town Hall, Albert Square, Manchester, M60 2LA. (email: h.bernstein@manchester.gov.uk)

· Mr. Neil MacInnes, Strategic Director of Libraries, City Library, Elliot House, 151 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3WD. (email: n.macinnes@manchester.gov.uk)

Copies of the emails should also be sent to the local councillors and the MP:

· Cllr. Carl Austin cllr.c.austin@manchester.gov.uk

· Cllr. Bev Craig cllr.b.craig@manchester.gov.uk

· Cllr. Bill Fisher cllr.b.fisher@manchester.gov.uk

· John Leech MP info@john-leech.org.uk

How to write your letter or e-mail:

1. Begin with the topic: “I am writing to object to the proposed closure of Burnage Library”.

2. If you, or your family, or your child’s school, Scouts or Brownies, or other community group, has direct experience of the Library, say what your connection is and what it means to you and your family.

3. Keep the letter short and concentrate just on the few things that you feel strongly about.

4. Keep the letter to the topic of the Library.

5. If you feel passionate about this issue – show it! Part of the objection is the passion that the people of Burnage feel on this issue. Always be courteous.

6. Finish the letter with two things:

(a) A sentence summing up the strength of the objections and, perhaps, the outcome you want. Something like (in your own words if you can) “The Library is a vital part of our community and it should be allowed to continue as it is, perhaps with more advertisement of its resources”.

(b) A general question which needs a response, such as “ I welcome a response from you on these points” or “Could you please let me know how these issues have been considered in your decision making”.

Raise the issues that are of most concern to you as a simple objection from your own experience is often the best. Here are some examples –

· The Library is a part of the community, as a focus for community activity and gives a sense of community. Everyone can see where the library is and children can find their way there in safety.

· It is part of the Burnage village area and is a part of Burnage and its history.

· It is the last public service being provided in Burnage. We do not have a swimming baths or a park. The Children’s Centre service is no longer a public service.

· There has been a public library on this site for many decades and the original wooden building, which burned down, was replaced in 1974 by the present building designed as an attractive library with a car park.

· The inadequacy of alternative proposals, a mere book collection facility on Broadhill Road, which is in a dead end street and an out of the way location at the edge of Burnage, or a takeover by Southway, a housing organisation that is reviled by people in the area as an inefficient organisation not subject to any democratic influence.

· The unanimous rejection of the idea of closure and of the alternatives.

· The loss of a self education facility that contributes to mental health, access to employment, the world of the internet, cultural development and relaxation.

Funds from the budget that could be used for the library –

· There is £20 million in the Councils “un-earmarked General Fund reserve”.

· There is “£700,000 as an unallocated contingency to meet future unforeseen expenses”

· Senior officers of the Council and senior councillors have the authority to spend up to £1.5 million to support economic growth. Burnage library computers enable local people to seek work which contributes to economic growth.

· There is expected to be more dividend from the Airport than is in the budget.

· There will be an estimated £246,000 left over in April from last year’s budget.

· The Council should persuade Manchester City and Manchester United, two of the richest clubs in the world, to pay the £2 million a year for the National Football Museum instead of the Council. Alternatively the Football Association should be persuaded.

Published by Sam Darby 11 Holmdale Avenue, Burnage, M19 1LW on behalf of the Community Campaign to Keep Burnage Library as it is.