Media Release
City Vision-Labour Councillors - Auckland City Council
For Immediate Release
Wednesday 1 October 2008

Seniors' Outrage Saves Mobile Library

At Auckland City Council's Community Services Committee today, City Vision Avondale Community Board member Catherine Farmer presented a petition signed by 288 outraged senior citizens who passionately support the continuation of the mobile library across Auckland City.

Catherine Farmer said, "I am delighted that on the International Day of the Older Person, my petition convinced the committee to unanimously support the continuation of this vital community service until at least 2024.  Pensioners who use the service in Powley House and the Donavan Street and Everil Orr pensioner villages were incensed that a service vital to them was to be one of the first cuts by this Banks-led Citizens and Ratepayers (C&R) Council.

Councillor Richard Northey said, "I am encouraged that a strong community response particularly from senior citizens across Auckland City has forced the C&R majority to go back on their planned axing of the mobile library service.  This successful example of people power should encourage citizens in suburbs where library and community services remain under threat to make their views forcefully known to Council as well."

Councillor Cathy Casey said, "What is clear to me from the residents of pensioner villages like Everil Orr is that they most want decent footpaths and this mobile library service from the council.  Thankfully the mobile service has been saved but due to the cuts on footpath renewals, they won't be getting zimmer friendly footpaths anytime soon!"

ENDS

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