On the Ipswich Spy blog here it says
One community group chairman spoke with Ipswich Spy and expressed real concerns about the money that they are being asked to stump up. “A figure of £3,000 was mentioned for our library, and it is closer to £10,000 for the Ipswich Central Library in Northgate Street.
and
“This request wasn’t something we were expecting, and so we’ll have to find yet more money to keep our library open
Well he probably wasn’t expecting to be requested such a large sum.
The Spy also says
County Councillor with responsibility for Libraries, Judy Terry, hit out at opposition councilors for what she described as perpetuating the myth that the libraries do not have a secure future.
Then perhaps Mrs Terry can tell the public where community groups are likely to find that kind of money during this time of economic uncertainty.
The Spy blog says Judy Terry said
Unlike many other local authorities around the country, we worked hard in consultation with local communities to create a service model which will not only save the County Council nearly £3m annually, but delivers a service which meets local needs, with a professional staff, supported by volunteers. Hours and services are already being extended as local people define exactly what they want of their library.
“Suffolk Libraries is run by the people of Suffolk, for the people of Suffolk.”
This is true but it still doesn’t answer where all community groups are likely to find the kind of money being asked for during this time of economic uncertainty.
So Judy, where are the community groups likely to find the kind of money being asked for during this time of economic uncertainty?
Update:
I have received this reply from Judy Terry
Kevin
Your blog has just been brought to my attention.No library has been sent any invoices – Andrew Cann is misleading the public with his comments.
Please would you apologise, and if you would like a briefing, I am copying to Alison Wheeler, Suffolk Libraries General manager, who would be pleased to answer your questions.
Suffolk Libraries is responsible for all the 44 libraries, working within a substantial budget provided by SCC, and they agreed that libraries should be encouraged to run events which could add to that funding. Many of our libraries already run events, so there is plenty of potential.
regards Judy
Update 2:
I am receiving conflicting information. I believe Judy Terry is telling the truth when she says that no invoices have been sent. Therefore apologies to Judy. But it appears that someone is saying that invoices have been sent. If I can ascertain who it is I may be able to ascertain the reason they are propagating the story.
Kevin can you clarify that the section you have copied following “The Spy blog continues” is actually part of the quote from Judy Terry, not something that Ipswich Spy are saying.
By the way, it’s nice to be referred to as Ipswich Spy instead of the usual rude remarks you make about our supposed closeness to the Ipswich Labour Party, which you know to be unfair and untrue.
Edited at the Loathed One’s request.
I hope Cllr Terry is good enough to answer you clearly and honestly, after the way you’ve in the past defended her handling of the libraries divestment.
It would be a shame if you were forced to conclude that criticisms of her as deceitful, incompetent and malicious were right all along.
She is not deceitful, incompetent and malicious but something may have been overlooked.
see update.
interesting! — seems to imply that perhaps it’s Cllr Cann who is being deceitful and malicious?
See update 2
Good stuff, will be interesting to see what falls out when you shake it.
I’m sorry, who said anything about invoices? Andrew Cann never mentioned invoices. Kevin never mentioned invoices. As Cllr Terry is aware, our story came from a source other than Cllr Cann. Maybe she should apologise for misleading the public by implying dishonest motives on the part of Cllr Cann.
You are now able to comment from Ipswich County library. Just download chrome first. (This post was sent from Ipswich county library.)