Letter to The Rt Hon David Cameron MP from David Appleford

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Letter to The Rt Hon David Cameron MP from David Appleford : 12th May

Rt Hon David Cameron MP
House of Commons
London
SW1A 0AA

Dear Mr Cameron

At a time when Conservative electoral prospects are hopefully improving, I am writing to draw your attention to the fact that the ruling Conservative party in Swindon seems to be alienating its voters by the arrogant use of its majority.

My attention is particularly focused on the proposed closure of several branch libraries following the opening last year of a new showpiece Swindon Central Library.  Despite much protest the council voted in favour of closing several branches including my local (Old Town) library.  A petition containing more than 1300 signatures (and names/addresses) in support of this particular library was regarded as too trivial to consider.

For some reason the council back-tracked, and agreed to have a consultation into the closures.  A recognised expert on library management, Tim Coates, has carried out a thorough investigation into the library's affairs, and stated at a recent presentation that by streamlining management the libraries could all be saved and improved and still show a cash saving.  Unfortunately only three councillors (1 Liberal and 2 Labour) bothered to attend that presentation, and the council seems very reluctant to even listen to the evidence.  The consultation period ends shortly, and the general feeling is that it's just a question of going through the motions and the closures will go ahead.  The Government is following the case with interest.

This sort of behaviour will do nothing to help the Conservatives in Swindon oust the two resident Labour MPs at the next General Election.  I attach a copy of a letter I sent to a number of councillors including the leader of the council (who has just survived a bid to oust him) for background information.

Yours sincerely

D Appleford