Suffolk Libraries' CEO Bruce Leeke has responded to Suffolk County Council's decision, taken this afternoon to take back the library service:
"We are all devastated that the achievements and hard work of our staff, volunteers and supporters over the past 12 and a half years, coupled with the amazing support we’ve had over the past three weeks have still not been enough to convince the county council to change its mind, or at least reconsider its proposal.
"We continue to refute much of what the county council is saying in defence of their proposal which contains several misleading statements about our finances and the course of events over the last few months. Reference has frequently been made to the lack of time available to discuss this further but we remain deeply concerned that such a major change is being rushed through to fit with the timeframe imposed by the county council, despite the overwhelming opposition from the local community and beyond.
"We have always stood by our belief that the Suffolk Libraries model offers the most efficient, inclusive and impactful library service possible. We are grateful to the thousands of people across Suffolk who have backed our fight.
"I am incredibly proud that throughout the uncertainty of the past six months, our staff have carried on showing the spirit and determination to do the best for the people of Suffolk which embodies what Suffolk Libraries has always stood for.
"We are disappointed but of course respect Suffolk County Council’s decision. We will now wait to hear from them about their plans for handing back the library service. In the interests of our staff, volunteers and customers we will do what we can to ensure as smooth a transition as possible."
