The South Chingford Community Library (SCCL) is at risk of closing permanently. I need your help to save it!
In 2011, Waltham Forest Council closed the Council-run Library. Leaving Chingford Mount the only town centre in the borough without one. In response, the community, local Conservative Councillors, and I campaigned for a new Community Library to be established.
Following that successful campaign, the SCCL was established in 2012 and has occupied 265 Chingford Mount Road, London, E4 8LP for the last 12 years. The SCCL is a registered charity, run by unpaid volunteers drawn from the local area.
While day-to-day costs are covered by SCCL donations, Waltham Forest Council were responsible for covering the cost of accommodation, currently around £40,000 a year. However, since September 2023, Waltham Forest Council has owed over £19,000 to the current landlord.
At the beginning of April 2024, I am delighted to announce that following pressure from local residents, councillors and myself, LBWF Council has finally paid £19,000 that was owed to South Chingford Library’s landlord.
Whilst the rent has been paid and eviction is no longer on the cards, the future is still unclear. This is the first victory of the campaign, but we now need to redouble our efforts to ensure the Community Library has a long-term future.
It is vital that the community continue to show their absolute dedication to this library. Whilst the community library is saved for now, the fight continues so please sign our petition to Save Our Community Library at https://www.cwgca.org/library
Join me, and 1000’s of other local residents and back our campaign to Save Chingford Community Library.
The Conservative Group on Waltham Forest Council proposed an amendment to the budget on Thursday 29th February, which would have allocated £80,000 of the ring-fenced ‘leadership priority fund’ to save SCCL. All of the Labour Councillors’ voted against this amendment, including Labour Councillors’ in South Chingford and Highams Park.
To back our campaign, please share your views by filling out the attached survey. You can send it back using the freepost envelope provided or complete it online at www.cwgca.org/library and together, we can Save South Chingford Community Library.
