The Blackheath Society, founded in 1937, is one of the oldest and largest amenity societies in London. In order to achieve its objectives of preserving and enhancing the many attractive features of Blackheath, the Society needs the support of as many members of the community as possible. More information >>

Possible closure of Blackheath Village Library 

Members will be aware, from our earlier communications, of the threat to close the Blackheath Village Library from 1 April 2011, as part of the Lewisham response to financial pressures.

The Society, working with the Blackheath Village Residents Group, has been active in supporting the Blackheath Village Library Users Group (BVLUG) in responding to this threat.

A public meeting was organised by Lewisham Council on 28 July, as part of the follow up. Despite the inconvenient time and location there was a considerable turnout. From that and subsequent meetings it is clear that the threat is very real.

There is much action underway, aimed at supporting BVLUG in responding to this situation.

The first priority is to mobilise and demonstrate as much support as possible to preserve a credible library service in the village. The BVLUG are organising a petition which we hope as many as possible will sign. This can be done at Blackheath Station on Saturdays and at the Farmer’s Market on Sunday mornings  in coming weekends. This got off to a flying start over the weekend of 23/24 August with some 900 signatures - please add yours.

An online petition will also be organised for those unable to sign in person - details will be announced separately.

We hope to get as much support as possible from schools and businesses in the village and to get the petition into local shops.

The support of individuals is also very important in maximising the chance of keeping a library open.  If you have not already done so please write to:

The  Mayor : Sir Steve Bullock
Mayor's office
Civic Suite, Town Hall, London SE6 4RU
tel: 020 8314 6193
email: steve.bullock@lewisham.gov.uk

and to

Ms Aileen Buckton, Executive Director for Community Sevices email: aileen.buckton@lewisham.gov.uk

If writing, please copy us and the local councillors and MP:

Chris Maines(LibDem)            CllrChris.Maines@lewisham.gov.uk

Amanda De Ryk (LibDem) CllrAmanda.DeRyk@lewisham.gov.uk

Kevin Bonavia (Labour)          CllrKevin.Bonavia@lewisham.gov.uk

Heidi Alexander MP                 Heidi.alexander.mp@parliament.uk

When writing, you may wish to draw attention to the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964, which lists the duties of Library Authorities (of which Lewisham Council  is one).

Other action

We are expecting and pressing to get Lewisham to agree to a second public meeting in early October. We hope this time to secure a more convenient venue, and will advise details as soon as possible.

The reality of the situation means that we have to seek alternative options to the current library situation: we have been active in supporting the idea of a possible alternative location based on use of the Age Exchange Reminiscence Centre premises in the village. This study is underway, and will be completed in September.

If you have any other suggestions regarding suitable locations - or indeed any other ideas on this vital topic, or are willing to help in any way, we would be pleased to hear from you.

You may wish to join the Blackheath Village Library Users Group at se3villagelibrary@yahoo.co.uk

 Those interested in the detail can find out more in the papers for  the Lewisham Public Accounts Select Committee accessible on p13 of     Item4_Financial_Survey_And_Savings_Appendix1_130710.PDF, 02 July 2010, 1,274K       (Ctrl Click to follow the link)

New Rail Timetable
The Society and BVRG are co-operating to inform residents and lobby South East Trains about the proposed changes to the timetable from December 2009.   Please see the transport page under Current Issues for the new time table