Thame Library design: local people must decide

8.13.32pm BST (GMT +0100) Sun 15th Jun 2008

Local people have been left angry after controversial designs for the new Thame library have been forced through against the wishes of the Town Council and local people. Conservative Chiefs at County Hall have ordered the plans to go ahead despite strong concerns voiced by people in the town.

Now Lib Dem parliamentary campaigner Stephen Kearney has joined with local Thame Town Council candidates Margaret Bretherton and Hussein Mirza in demanding that local views are taken into consideration.

Margaret Bretherton said:

"It is absolutely essential that we get the design of the new library right. Local people will have to live with the outcome for many years to come so it is only right they are properly consulted and allowed to have their say.

"If the Conservatives had listened to local people in the first place, we might have had a brand new library on the site of the present cattle market. As it is, the present proposals must be put to the people."

Hussein Mirza commented:

"As Chair of Friends of Thame Library I have campaigned actively for a new library in Thame and am delighted that battle has now been won. However, members of the Town Council have expressed concerns about the new design and it is only right to let local people decide."

Stephen Kearney, Lib Dem parliamentary campaigner added:

"Once again we see the Conservative led County Council riding roughshod over local opinion. Thame is a beautiful town and should not be spoiled by hasty decisions taken by Conservative Cabinet members in Oxford. Local people must decide."