Doomed library will be replaced by toilets

9:33am Wednesday 16th July 2008

THE FATE of Weir Hall library has been sealed after a decision to replace it with toilets was upheld.

It was decided at a meeting of Enfield Council's scrutiny and overview committee to decide whether the Tory council should be forced to re-consider the decision to close Weir Hall and relocate the service to Fore Street.

Members of the panel voted along party lines by a majority of four to two, to maintain the original decision.

The meeting boasted a strong security presence and closed with cries of "shame on you" to panel members from the floor.

Cllr George Savva, who has been the leading light in the campaign to save the library, slumped at his desk, head in hands.

Cllr Savva has now vowed to ptotest against the decision by chaining himself to railings outside the library on Friday.

He says he will stay there until he is arrested for his actions.

The decision means Weir Hall will close and amenities for Millfield Theatre be built where it currently stands.

Unlikely Government intervention now looks the only hope for fans of the library.

Groups such as Friends of Weir Hall Library (FoWHL) claimed the closure of the current site, in the grounds of the Millfield Arts Complex, in Silver Street, will rob the community of a centrepin, easily accessible to school children, families and the elderly.

They fear the library's new home in an abandoned video shop will drive away these same people.

In contrast, council leader Cllr Mike Rye and culture cabinet member Cllr Jon Kaye were worried that Millfield Theatre's reputation will suffer unless its toilet facilities are expanded.

They also hope to attract 10,000 more users, and cited encouraging, but disputed data on the relocation of Merryhills library, in Oakwood.

Francis Travers, 55, of FoWHL, said: "It was a waste of time. They gave us the chance to air our views and then rubber stamped it anyway.

"We will go over the council's head now and take our solid case to Government."

On the night, wavering councillors were swayed by a promise to look into providing a coach service for school children who currently use Weir Hall.

Resident Susan Bonici said: "There's a class divide. The council should be ashamed."

Student Costas Pitas, 19, said: "It's a disgrace that people who don't live in the area get to make the decision."