Douglas Lumsden MSP has supported Aberdonians across the city as they protested the SNP/Liberal Democrat Council’s decision to close six libraries and Bucksburn swimming pool across Aberdeen.
Douglas joined protesters outside Cornhill Library and outside the Council chamber on Monday as they protested. This followed the Administration voting to refuse to hear deputations from the public regarding the Council’s decision to close the sites.
Speaking at the protest Douglas said “It absolutely shameful that SNP and Lib Dem councillors voted to bar the public from having their voice heard. They are ignoring the people of Aberdeen and disgracefully running roughshod over them.”
“Closing six libraries across Aberdeen will have a severe and detrimental impact to residents throughout our city. The Scottish Government’s own Covid recovery strategy highlights the importance of libraries particularly for those on low incomes which just demonstrates the SNP’s hypocrisy.”
The decision to close the swimming pool in Bucksburn will be felt especially by those with physical disabilities. The pool, near Bucksburn academy, is the only one in the city that is accessible for those with disabilities.
“It’s dreadful that the council is tearing this vital asset for so many away from them. The swimming pool will mean a great deal to those that have physical disabilities due the health benefits it provides.”
The decision to close the libraries and the swimming pool follows the Council budget at the start of the month. At the meeting SNP and Lib Dem Councillors also voted to cut funding to Sistema and their Big Noise Torry project which supports disadvantaged children gain access to music tuition.
At the meeting SNP Councillors trashed the project’s record with SNP Councillor for Torry/Ferryhill Christian Allard saying that the project had no impact on the community. Despite his comments the Scottish Government stepped in to fund the project.
Douglas said that “the decision by the Scottish Government to reverse the SNP/Lib Dem Council’s disastrous decision is a welcome one. However, we must remember how SNP Councillors shamefully attempted to disgrace the record of the charity.”
