Tuesday, 31 January 2006

March And Motorcade To Keep Te Atatu South Library Open. 3.15PM WED 22nd February 2006

A meeting of around 50 residents and reps of community groups met at Kelston community centre last Thursday. The meeting was convened by C.A.P. The proposal for the march was endorsed by all present. Grey Power, NZEI, Te Atatu Ratepayers, Chris Carter MP and others.

Residents will Rally outside the Te Atatu South library at 3.15pm. We are encouraging parents to bring their children to the library when they pick them up after school. Local schools are supporting the campaign. March organisers, including the NZEI, are asking children to dress up as their favourite story book characters. Prizes will be given for the best costumes.

Some people will be marching; others including the more elderly participants will drive in procession in decorated cars. There will also be a free bus available for those without transport who can not march.

The march will proceed along Edmonton Rd and converge on the Waitakere City Council offices at about 5pm. People who are working or can not join the march can go straight to the council offices from 5pm onwards. Some older teenagers have said they intend skateboarding the entire route, says Meredydd Barrar CAP spokesperson.

This is the last council meeting before they enter into the annual plan process. This gives Waitakere council another opportunity to reconsider the closure. This community will tolerate nothing less than a full library service for Te Atatu South. This is a well established urban community and deserves the same service as other areas of the city . It is about time Cllr Penny Hulse, Caroline Stone , Ross Dellow and others listened to our community instead of being lead by the nose by politically motivated officials.

The meeting at Kelston was outraged when they heard from Henderson Community Board member Elizabeth Grimmer that only 30 mins free parking would be provided at the new library in Henderson after which a $1:00 charge will be levied and more charges after the first hour.

"How on earth can old people and parents with children be expected to park, browse, choose books and read magazines etc in half an hour before incurring charges, this is an outrage ."

"Also we believe UNITEC has virtual control of this library, so who knows what other charges are to follow. The interests of Te Atatu South residents are being sacrificed while the council is making deals with this institution."

ENDS

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