Library campaigners were left angry as backbench Labour councillors waved through Sheffield City Council’s library closure plan.

The Labour-run Council announced plans earlier this month to close sixteen libraries across Sheffield, triggering outcries in communities throughout the city.

However, in a heated Council debate on Wednesday 2nd October, backbench Labour councillors waved through the proposals, include councillors representing Beauchief & Greenhill, Broomhill and Walkley wards where libraries are facing closure.

The debate was secured by opposition Liberal Democrats who are campaigning against the plans.

Cllr David Baker, Sheffield Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Libraries, said:

“In the last few weeks, I’ve been contacted by dozens of individuals desperate to see their local library saved. They know that Labour’s plan is being driven more by political spite than by the real need to make savings.

“However, I’m still surprised that Labour councillors, who claim to represent areas where libraries are under threat – like Broomhill, Jordanthorpe, and Greenhill – couldn’t break with their party whip and support our motion opposing closures. Libraries are vital for communities; they shouldn’t be subject to petty party politics.”