A REDDITCH resident has questioned the credibility of the Hands of Redditch Library (HORL) group, saying it is being used as a political campaign.
Paul Isherwood who has lived in the town for 42 years told the Standard that the Redditch Labour Group are using the campaign as a platform.
“The HORL organisation is clearly being used as a political football by a Labour party that is desperate for relevance.
“In my opinion, this is to the detriment of the best interests of the people of Redditch.
“I’ve seen the space in the town hall that the library would be moved into and it’s amazing.
“It will all be on one floor, and will be great for parents watching over their children.”
Mr Isherwood, husband of Redditch Mayor, Coun Ann Isherwood said that he only wants the best for Redditch, and he believes moving the library to this space is the best for the town.
“I’m not affiliated with any political party,
“I just want the right thing to be done, I don’t care which party does it.
“I want a decent library for children and adults to use, and I believe that moving it to the town hall is the best way forward.”
A spokesperson from Hands of Redditch Library said: “HORL is a campaign run by residents with very little in terms of resources.
“Volunteers do what they can to fight a cause they believe in, often fitting the campaigning into already busy lives.
“HORL has gratefully received support from members of both the Labour and Conservative parties, but is run by neither.
“For example, we have received help in giving out leaflets from members of both parties recently: on Saturday a Labour councillor assisted in distributing leaflets in town.
“As we speak leaflets are also being distributed by two Conservative party members.
“The badges were also sold by a Conservative party member.
“Again, the Conservative members involved are all asked to remain apolitical when representing HORL as the campaign is focused on the issue, rather than party politics.
“We also receive a great deal of support from people who have no affiliation to a political party.”
Visit https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/info/21017/redditch_library_consultation for more information on the library consultation.
