Labour sends in police and security guards to clear out library at 2am

Remarkable news from Brent, where the Labour-run council’s attempts to close libraries has involved snubbing rescue plans put forward by residents.

And now this happened overnight at Kensal Rise Library:

Council bosses were today accused of “cowardice and deceit” after they stripped a historic library in the early hours to evade campaigners.

Up to 15 security guards and 12 police entered Kensal Rise library at about 2am today to empty the library, taking books, photographs, commemorative plaques and murals.

The library, opened by Mark Twain in 1900, is one of six in Brent that were axed last year as part of council austerity measures.

However, supporters say they were in negotiations with new Labour council leader Muhammed Butt — who they say had promised not to remove furniture and Thirties murals of scenes from Treasure Island and Alice in Wonderland until they had met the library’s owner, All Souls College, Oxford.

Liberal Democrat Group Leader Paul Lorber commented,

Muhammed Butt had the opportunity to turn over a new leaf and build bridges between Brent Council and local residents. Instead he has preferred the path of confrontation.