Lib Dems disappointed at libraries decision

Liberal Democrats on Surrey County Council have said they are "disappointed" at the decision by the county council's Communities Select Committee not to refer plans for 10 libraries to be run by volunteers back to the Cabinet.

Speaking after the meeting Liberal Democrat Communities Spokesperson Cllr John Orrick said: "Everybody on both sides of the debate spoke with passion in support of libraries, but it was clear that the Conservative administration are set on ploughing ahead with their plans."

"We never did get an adequate explanation as to whether there will be any financial savings from the plans, and we never did get an adequate explanation as to what the Cabinet Member meant by the plans not being about saving money but about making the libraries 'sustainable' - and whether the issues raised by the judicial review have been met is highly questionable."

"There has been massive public opposition to the plans and I know that many people will join me and my Liberal Democrat colleagues in being disappointed at the decision."