Labour accused of 'mismanagement' and 'failure' over protecting libraries

BUT CITY COUNCIL CHIEF BACKS THE DECISION TO PULL PLUG ON OUTSOURCING

- By NIGEL SLATER

CONSERVATIVE councillors have accused Labour of putting the future of Derby’s libraries in “limbo” and fear they could close for good in the long term.

The political attack comes weeks after it was announced the appointment of a new operator to run 10 of Derby's libraries had fallen through.

But the city’s Labour administration has hit back saying it became clear the deal was not right for Derby and keeping them under council control is a “really positive step”.

The leadership also suggested there are exciting developments to come in terms of the libraries offer to the public.

Following a tender process, Sporting Communities was supposed to be taking charge of the city’s community libraries earlier this year.

This deal was planned to save the authority money.

These libraries include Allenton, Allestree, Blagreaves, Chaddesden, Chellaston, Derwent, Mackworth, Sinfin, Spondon, and Springwood.

But the Labour-led council announced last month it had withdrawn from the arrangement following extensive negotiations. The council said the financial support needed for a successful transfer would exceed the allocated budget.