Suffolk Libraries, safe for another five years.

Sudbury Library

When so many libraries across the country have closed it is good to read today that Suffolk Libraries have signed a further five year management agreement with Suffolk County Council.

There are 44 libraries across the county, and not one has closed during the current period of Government cuts.  This is in stark contrast to other parts of the UK.  It is not a statutory duty for councils to run libraries and therefore they are vulnerable to closure as councils cast about for additional savings.  Future success depends on making up the shortfall by continuing to encourage volunteering and the encouragement of friends groups and other sources of local financial support.

There is an added incentive for the County Council to make sure that the libraries keep open.  A year or so ago Suffolk was identified as a council that had done particularly well in a national report that examined the future of libaries nationwide.  It would be a pity if that good reputation was damaged.

Many people have written off the library in an electonic age, but real books are actually proving very resilient against the onslaught of the kindle and other devices.  Libraries are also about a lot more than lending books.  In Sudbury the library  is much enhanced by hosting the services of the Tourist Information Centre, and it is still an important point of call for those wishing to know what is going on in the area.  A quick look at the website shows that the library organises a number of interest groups for local people of all ages,  and thus is an important point of contact and social centre too.

In addition to that Sudbury Library must be one of the most attractive libraries in the country! Formerly the Corn Exchange the building was designed by H.E. Kendall and was completed in 1841.  The poet John Betjeman was among those who fought to save the building when it was threatened with demolition.  It is now Grade 2 listed.

Sprucing up Sudbury; a chance to get involved

Belle Vue Park, Sudbury

Are you concerned about how Sudbury looks?  Or are you confused about the number of people who are involved with attempting to keep the town tidy?  Or do you want to point out areas that you feel could do with sprucing up?

Next week, on Wednesday 19^th July at 6.30 p.m. in the Town Hall there is an opportunity to discuss improving the look of the town.

It is the case that many local organisations, as well as the Town Council, are working hard to try to present the town at its best.  Recently the Sudbury Society launched their ‘Love Sudbury’ campaign, and ActivLives does clear up work with volunteers in Belle Vue Park and other locations.

Many individuals and businesses also play their part, taking care of their own premises and the adjacent public areas.  The Town Council, among other services, provides the floral displays around the town.  Of particular note are the beautiful flower troughs around the railings of St Peter’s Church.

Some of these efforts go unnoticed and it is certainly the case that there is little or no co-ordination between those involved.   The meeting next week hopes to address this and other related issues.  Any group or individual who is already involved or would like to know more,  is invited to bring suggestions, good practice and ideas for partnership working to this informal forum.

In order to accommodate numbers could you please contact the Town Council at advice@sudburytowncouncil.co.uk or telephone 01787 372331 if you wish to attend or require further information.

We should not leave it to 'Them'

Russian communal clean up or 'subbotnik'

On 4^th March, at Sudbury on Show, the Sudbury Society launched the LoveSudbury Campaign.  The aim of this initiative is to encourage people to ‘do their bit’ when it comes to improving the appearance of the Town.  Last week the Group launched its website which can be accessed HERE.

Apparently this admirable campaign is to some extent motivated by the perceived shortfall in services that has resulted from central Government cuts to local authorities.  This has caused some people to criticise the campaign because they say that councils will not resume services when the current period of austerity is over, and ‘people’s jobs will be at risk’.  This negative approach is misconceived for a number of reasons.

Firstly, are we to wait until councils have the ability to start spending again (probably some time in the mid 2020’s on current forecasts) and simply allow the situation to get worse and worse?  I certainly hope not!

Secondly, upright and responsible citizens in all communities have, even at times of plenty, done their bit for the common good.  How many people do we know who 'just cut that little piece of grass' that is always neglected, or regularly organised small scale litter picks?  Even in the Soviet Union regular communal clean ups were organised that encouraged a voluntary approach to civic pride.

Thirdly, demand for public services is infinite.  However much money is available there will always be room for improvement, always more that can be done.  Even in the City of London, where support from business rates from banks and other businesses mean that to some degree the streets really are paved with gold, there are patches of neglect.  Sadly there are few residents around to take these in hand.

When it comes to our communal environment, there are always those who say ‘it’s a disgrace, “THEY”  should do something about it.’    What they forget is the actually ‘THEY’ really means ‘US’.

Poster advertising a communal clean up