By Ian Garrett, Aldridge Brownhills Lib Dem Parliamentary candidate

Yesterday was World Book Day. I’m typing this looking at the World Book Day poster on my classroom door. It’s a reminder of just how important books are – and libraries are.

Streetly Library has had a stay of execution – that’s something, but the situation is still not resolved. At the end of all the adjournments and amendments at Walsall Council’s Budget Meeting last week, all that has been essentially decided is the overall figures. The long term future of the local library has basically been put off until next year.

Whilst that is better news than people in Streetly might have expected at the beginning of last week, only the Liberal Democrat alternative budget would have secured the future of Streetly Library, and other libraries. Libraries are vital for life long learning, but they are also crucial as the heart of our communities. The Lib Dem alternative budget would have made Streetly Library the community hub, and secured its future.

We are pleased that Streetly Library will be secure for a year – but unless we can ensure its long term survival, as only the Liberal Democrat budget guaranteed, we will end up fighting this battle all over again.