A councillor has warned that the elderly and vulnerable will be hit hardest by the proposed closures of libraries in Harrow.
Harrow Council’s Conservative group has warned that vulnerable residents risk becoming increasingly isolated should they lose the four libraries which are at risk.
Almost 2,500 campaigners have signed a petition against the closure of Bob Lawrence library in Edgware alone.
Councillor Susan Hall, leader of the Conservative group, said: "I think the Bob Lawrence petitioners have done a fantastic job, not only in terms of getting signatures from local residents, but in making the case for protecting our libraries.
"Libraries are a vital community resource for all sorts of reasons, and for a hugely broad spectrum of Harrow’s population, and our worry is that the people who rely on them the most will be left isolated if they close.
“The Council is encouraging residents to do more and more things online – whether it’s paying parking tickets and council tax, or reporting missed bins and potholes.
"In fact, Labour are planning to cut £600,000 out of the call centre over the next 4 years as part of their efforts to get more people online. However, not everyone has their own computer or Internet access, and many rely on libraries when they do need to go online.
"Given these tend to be people looking for work, those on lower incomes or the elderly, we are most concerned that closing libraries will leave these people cut off.”
Yesterday Labour pointed the finger at the Tory-led central government cuts for why they have to make £75million in savings over the next four years.
Harrow Council will have to agree a budget next month.
