LIBRARY CUTS CONDEMNED AT SCOTTISH GREENS CONFERENCE
Members of the Scottish Green Party have overwhelmingly backed an emergency motion to their conference in Inverness condemning a decision by Moray Council to close seven rural libraries against the advice of council officers and in spite of an Equalities Impact Assessment Report.
The motion was proposed by Moray Greens Convener James Mackessack-Leitch, who said:
"I am delighted Scottish Greens across the country are backing those of us in Moray who want to save our libraries. Coming on the back of other harsh cuts we are seeing a Tory-led Council Administration totally out of touch with its own people and other local authorities facing equally tough challenges."
The full text of the motion was:
Conference condemns the cultural and societal damage being wreacked by the Tory-led Moray Council Administration in closing seven rural libraries; reaffirms that Scottish Greens recognise the importance of libraries as community hubs offering a wide range of services and opportunities; recognises that these cuts will disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society, leading down a path to disenfranchisement and isolation, and; stands shoulder to shoulder with the people of Moray and Scotland in their battle to save their libraries.