Angy residents gathered in Westdene to challenge Brighton and Hove Council’s proposal to shut their local library, one of three earmarked for closure under a harsh cost‑cutting plan. The Labour council hopes to save £250,000 by reducing hours at larger branches and closing smaller ones, but campaigners argue Westdene Library is a much loved and rare community hub in an area with few social spaces.
Conservative Councillor Ivan Lyons, who represents Westdene and Hove Park ward, said that the £20,000 saving made by closing the library was “minuscule” and that "The next library is two or three miles away. There’s no public transport. If they close the library down here, then people will not be able to access computers and books – and there’s the primary school next door. What message is that sending out?”
