Rebel councillor joins campaign to save Caerphilly libraries

By Mariam Kamish, Caerphilly Trades Union Council secretary

‘Rebel councillor’ Brenda Miles has joined campaigners marching to save the ten local libraries that Caerphilly Labour council wants to close or offload. Councillor Miles says this would put the council in breach of its statutory duty to provide library services.

Our march set off led by local children dressed as story book characters. Caerphilly Unison secretary Lianne Dallimore carried one end of a banner calling on the council to use a £5 million underspend in the budget to secure the future of the libraries. Unison branch president Juan Garcia handed out Unison flags, which the children waved enthusiastically.

The massive Fire Brigades Union (FBU) banner sailed above us. The kids were delighted later to receive their costume competition prizes from a real-life firefighter, FBU South East Wales secretary, Gareth Tovey.

Marching

As we marched, a Cardiff Trades Union Council car rolled in front of us, booming out a rousing soundtrack.

The trade union support for our march shows what the council is up against – not just the anger of local people, but the organised working class.

The campaign is heading from strength to strength. BBC and Wales Online reporters filmed as our march set off. The South Wales Argus ran an article entitled ‘Caerphilly libraries heading for closure may be saved’, with a photo of a recent protest.

Under pressure, Labour council leader Sean Morgan has followed Keir Starmer’s example, and withdrawn the Labour whip from councillor Brenda Miles for standing up against library closures. For her principled position, she has lost all her committee roles.

We say, Caerphilly Council, if you style yourself on Starmer, U-turn! Keep our libraries open, and in council control.