Marcus Jones, the MP for Nuneaton, has urged Warwickshire County Council to protect libraries in his constituency. 

Marcus responded to the public consultation launched by the Council to seek views on the future of library services in the County.  In his reply, Marcus mentioned libraries used by Nuneaton residents in the town or on the periphery, such as Hartshill. He called the Camphill library “an integral part of the community” whilst he commented that Hartshill had a “strong Parish Council” which he would expect the County Council to “engage to see if a practicable community-based solution can be achieved.” In his response, the MP also expressed concern over the future of Bulkington library, which although not in his constituency, is used by a number of people living in the east of Nuneaton.

Speaking about Nuneaton’s libraries and the public consultation, the MP said: “The consultation process has caused a lot of concern amongst my constituents and I have received many letters, emails and phone calls about the possible closure of local libraries in my constituency. I responded to the consultation with my views, having listened to the concerns expressed to me by members of the public.

“Camphill library in particular was brought to my attention by local residents and I am concerned that without this library, not only would the local community suffer from a lack of access to library services but the viability of the CHESS building would, in my view, be diminished. Moreover, the loss of such a community facility would defeat the object of the regeneration, which the CHESS building was very much pivotal in delivering.

“With Hartshill library, many elderly residents use this facility but I accept that keeping this one open will be more difficult for the Council. That said, I have strongly urged the County Council to work with the Parish Council and the number of strong community groups in the area to see if a local solution can be found that would allow us to retain library services in Hartshill.”