Lambeth accuses Croydon of acting "unlawfully" over library deal (From Streatham Guardian)

Lambeth accuses Croydon of acting "unlawfully" over joint library deal

7:30am Friday 4th November 2011 in News By Rachel Blundy

The future of the Upper Norwood library remains uncertain.

The future of a shared library continues to hang in the balance after Lambeth Council accused Croydon of "unlawful" behaviour.

An argument over the running of the Upper Norwood library, which is operated by both councils, erupted two weeks ago when Croydon announced it had terminated the joint agreement.

But in a four page letter to Croydon Council, Lambeth leader Councillor Steve Reed accused Croydon Conservative leader Mike Fisher of "incompetence" and "deception".

He said: "Lambeth has pointed out a catalogue of incompetence, deception and errors in the way Croydon have made this decision that, in our opinion, makes it unlawful.

"I call on Croydon’s Tories to put down the gun they have pointed at the community in Upper Norwood and, instead, sit down with us to find a way to protect this library for the future."

Croydon had previously accused Lambeth of boycotting the most recent annual general meeting. It now has seven days to respond before further action is taken.