Within the Library Services Strategy 2019-2024 Hullbridge Library has been classified as a Tier 4 library which is explained as a 

‘Locations with low evidence of need. A library service in these locations is not required as part of a comprehensive service.’

and is described as

‘Not required as part of a comprehensive library service although it may be possible for a community library to be run in these settlements, if a suitable proposal from a community or partner organisation is received.’

We believe that the closure of Hullbridge Library would be a loss of an important Community Asset which must continue to be fully funded, staffed and serviced by Essex County Council as presently delivered.

Closure of a fully funded, staffed service by Essex County Council would result in people who currently use the Library having to travel at cost of both time and money and possible pollution due to increased traffic to Rayleigh.  Other users such as the local schools, children and more vulnerable residents will be unable to visit the Library at all.

The removal of the Library will also leave people unable to access computers.  This is an increasing way for Government to require the public to interact with them.  This will further disadvantage those groups in most need. 

This petition calls on Essex County Council to retain Hullbridge Library as a fully funded Library service with full digital access; funded, staffed and serviced by Essex County Council.  We believe that further uses of the existing library premises should be explored to support this and call on Essex County Council to retain this important community hub.