COMMUNITY councils have reacted with dismay to the news that libraries in the area are to close.
COMMUNITY councils have reacted with dismay to the news that libraries in the area are to close.
Both East Wemyss and Colinsburgh libraries have been earmarked for closure as part of a cost-cutting exercise by Fife Council.
The two libraries, plu
s thjose in Glenrothes and Thornton, are due to shut in October, which the council estimates will save £92,000 a year.
They have been picked on the basis of service take-up being low and there being alternatives accessible by public transport.
But both East Wemyss and Colinsburgh community councils have vowed to fight the plans.
East Wemyss Community Council secretary Jim Young said: "The village library is a facility we are especially proud of. It lies at the heart of the community.
"Rather than implement ways to diminish this important service, Fife Council should be considering how we can increase the service on offer to the people of the Wemyss villages.
"If these reports are true, the community council will be making an official protest as to how this decision has been arrived at, particularly since there has been no consultation or correspondence between Fife Council and the community council.
"We would like to state our unequivocal opposition to the alleged closure or indeed an reduction of the current service.
"To this end, we will be seeking an immediate meeting with Councillor Andrew Rodger and Marilyn Livingstone MSP."
Colinsburgh and Kilconquhar Community Council has also expressed deep concern over the proposals.
Chairman Danny McAllister said: "As a community council, we haven't had a chance to meet up and discuss this but we have had some soundings.
"There is already a petition started which is getting a decent reaction.
"It's come as a shock to the community and it's a service we all appreciate.
"School children use them a lot while there are also arts and craft sessions there."
Mr McAllister, who is also chair of the town hall committee, feels there could be another solution.
He said: "We do have the town hall, so we could offer them a room there."
But the council's Labour administration has defended the decision.
Councillor Anne McGovern, leader of Fife Council, said: "This is about providing the same level of service but doing it in another way.
"As a public service we have a duty to ensure our priorities are delivered, at the same time as demonstrating best use of resources.
"Clearly, these services were not sustainable in their present form and we have taken steps to ensure they continue.
"Alternative facilities and the use of the mobile library will provide a service to the people in these communities.
"Obviously future service delivery will be monitored and, if any problems arise, we will look at it again to make sure vulnerable people are getting the service they need.
"We are an administration that is, and will always be, committed to helping the most vulnerable people in our communities."
