Greens and Tories clash on Library plans

A war of words has broken out between the Green Party and Conservatives in Brighton over reported plans to cut library services in the city.

Hove MP Mike Weatherley has accused Green Party councillor Christopher Hawtree of performing a ‘spectacular u-turn’ in supporting a plan to cut library services despite having been a vocal library campaigner.

However, Cllr Hawtree, who Mr Weatherley referred to as ‘the Dr Beeching of Brighton & Hove libraries’, has described a press release issued by the Tory MP as ‘amazingly vile’ and said the allegations are ‘unsubstantiated’.

Mike Weatherley had said: “If Hawtree’s library cuts become a reality the chapter will close on first-class library services for the city. Residents have consistently said to me that they don’t want a reduced service and that is exactly what will happen if Hawtree gets his cuts. Quite clearly, it appears that the Greens have the manual on u-turns out on long-term loan.”

The MP for Hove and Portslade also began a Twitter debate using the #ToxicGreenWaste hashtag, which has led to clashes between members of both parties.

Green councillor Jason Kitcat insisted library fears were unfounded and Tweeted: “For vast majority of users no changes will be experienced. For some it will improve e.g. ebooks & audio books.”

Cllr Kitcat also clashed with Weatherley over government cuts to council spending and Brighton and Hove City Council‘s decision to reject the opportunity to freeze council tax.

The cabinet member for finance called for an informed debate and described Weatherley’s name calling as ‘silly’.

Read more about the subject here.

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Posted by on January 5, 2012. Filed under Conservatives,Council News,Featured,Green Party. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry