South Belfast MP Dr. Alasdair McDonnell joined local residents and children from Belvoir Park Primary School today (Friday) at a protest against the proposed closure of Belvoir Park Library.

A number of Castlereagh Councillors, including SDLP Councillor Rosaleen Hughes, also attended the public meeting outside the local library.

The closure of the library is proposed under rationalisation plans by Libraries NI.

Speaking at the protest, organised by Belvoir Community worker Bernie Reid, Alasdair McDonnell said: “I am delighted to be here today to show solidarity with, and support for local residents in their campaign to protect Belvoir Park Library from closure.

“This library is an important part of the Belvoir community. As well as a library, it also focuses as a social hub where local residents, particular older people, can come together and meet up.

“It is also used by the children from Belvoir Park Primary School both during and after school.

“If this Library closes the reality is that Belvoir residents won’t be able to easily travel to this library and so will be denied another community service.

“I am concerned at what appears to be the erosion of community infrastructure in Belvoir. The first service to go was the Post Office. Now closure of the library is being proposed.

“We cannot stand by and allow the residents of Belvoir to be starved of community resources and life lines” Alasdair McDonnell added.

ENDS

09-03-10