Toilets to replace doomed library

3:28pm Tuesday 1st July 2008

TOILETS are to be built on the site where the doomed Weir Hall library currently stands.

Enfield Council leader Mike Rye unveiled the scheme at a well-attended and eventful meeting of the full council last Wednesday.

Cllr Rye's announcement dismayed a vocal contingent of campaigners who have battled to save Weir Hall, which is part of the Millfield Arts Complex, in Edmonton.

One member of the public was ejected from the chamber for shouting at Cllr Rye as he justified the plan which he called "good news for Edmonton".

Cllr George Savva tabled a motion calling for Cllr Rye to resign over the issue, although this was comfortably seen off.

And he accused the ruling administration of being out of touch with Edmonton.

Cllr Savva said: "This library is much loved, not only because libraries are loved, but because it is part and parcel of this long-suffering community of ours."

The library service will be moved to a abandoned video store in Fore Street.

Supporters say this is in line with the council's library strategy, which moves for libraries to be located in the geographical centre of the community they serve.

But Cllr Savva fears the move will actually tear out the heart of the community. Nearby schools, for whom Weir Hall is a vital resource, oppose the move, and 7,000 people have signed a petition against it.

Cllr Savva said: "You are not going to close Weir Hall Library, we will make sure of that.

"The people of Edmonton will put a bigger fight to stop you from going ahead. Please reconsider your rushed decision."

That was underlined by Cllr Savva leading a delegation including Edmonton MP Andy Love and GLA member Joanne McCartney to 10 Downing Street to hand over the petition.

Conservative councillors say that toilets and a bar are needed to bring the neigbouring Millfield Theatre to the standard of rival venues. So far, £300,000 have been spent towards this end.

The re-location of the library has been called in by the Labour group.

It will be scrutinised next Tuesday, at a meeting in the Civic Centre, Silver Street, which residents can attend.