Plaid Cymru representatives Delyth Jewell MS and Peredur Owen Griffiths MS have expressed their anger and disappointment that 10 libraries in Caerphilly County face closure.

Cabinet members voted unanimously to close the 10 at-risk libraries.

Across the county borough Libraries in Aberbargoed, Abercarn, Abertridwr, Bedwas, Deri, Llanbradach, Machen, Nelson, Oakdale and Pengam will close their doors.

South Wales East MS Delyth Jewell, Plaid Cymru Deputy Senedd Leader said: “I am deeply worried about the effect library closures will have across Caerphilly.  If these libraries close, they’ll close down doors onto other worlds. 

“Libraries are places of comfort for people who are cold or lonely, and places of wonder for children.  Some children have actually contacted the council directly to tell them how much they’ll miss these libraries. 

“They’ve drawn posters, written letters and sent messages.  One of my constituents in Llanbradach put a photograph of a letter his young son had written on my Facebook page – the letter reads “Dear council, please keep the library. From Henry”.

“On behalf of those children like Henry and their parents I am calling for a rethink of this closure programme and for assistance to be provided to those communities to help them find other ways of keeping their libraries open, as the council cabinet goes ahead with this severely retrograde step.”

The MS raised the closure in the Senedd hours after the decision was made.

Local Government spokesperson for Plaid Cymru Peredur Owen Griffiths MS added: “This is a draconian step from the Labour administration on Caerffili County Borough Council. Libraries are not just places from which to borrow books. They are quiet, friendly and warm places for children to study when there is no peace at home.

“For anyone without a computer or internet access, they are also invaluable. For the Labour administration to close every single library on their hit list is deeply disappointing.

"It shows that they have not listened to the many, many people – which includes a large cohort of children - that opposed the closures during the consultation.”

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