READING Ian Murray’s editorial (Daily Echo, December 6), I found myself in agreement with many of his sentiments.

However, a big thank you to Councillor Don Thomas for an honest appraisal (In My View, page 41), regarding libraries and the socalled review, which seems to me and many others to be a farce.

ONLY an independent councillor could state the truth, whereas Labour, despite being in power in Southampton, seem to work to destroy libraries by implementing savage cuts under the guise of a library review.

As a registered user at Cobbett Road Library, I filled in the online consultation and, despite being a competent reader, found it immensely difficult. It took me an hour’s perseverance to complete.

The printed version is easier to comprehend, but questions are very loaded and quite confusing.

Cobbett Road Library is my local choice, within a short walking distance from home. It is a warm community hub, with more than 20 groups – toddlers to senior citizens – meeting in the large community room. Despite limited opening hours, it is exceedingly well-used and good value, costing less than other libraries to run.

Some 900 attended the recent Autumn and Christmas Fairs organised by the Friends of Cobbett Road Library, who have worked tirelessly to keep it vital since 2006. To suggest that this small volunteer group should be expected to run a city library is ridiculous.

How ironic that Southampton councillors voted not to cut their numbers or election system, but will certainly shut down libraries forever. I am not impressed if councillors make cuts to everything except themselves! I believed once that Labour were people-minded Socialists: clearly NOT these days.

I will not be voting for any Labour Peartree councillor, or for John Denham’s Labour replacement.

NAME & ADDRESS SUPPLIED.