THE borough council will work to try and secure support for the South Ham community after its library was listed for closure by Hampshire County Council.

As previously reported, the results of a consultation by Hampshire County Council saw South Ham's facility recommended for closure.

It's one of eight across the county that could close when Cllr Sean Woodward makes his final decision next week, after Chineham was given a reprieve by council officers.

And whilst borough council leader Cllr Ken Rhatigan (Conservative, Kingsclere) was pleased that Chineham library was saved, he expressed his regret that South Ham had not been.

"The decision has not yet been made but it is very hard for South Ham. We will find ways to support the community," he told The Gazette.

"We recognise that Hampshire County Council has budget pressures and needs to look at how it delivers its services in the future, including library services. But we have fought hard on behalf of our residents to ensure the county council understands the important role our borough’s libraries play as a place for communities to come together and to provide support for people who need to develop their skills.

“We are delighted that Hampshire County Council is not recommending the closure of the library at Chineham Shopping Centre and wholeheartedly agree with its findings on the importance of the site at Chineham. However, we are disappointed that it is still recommending the closure of the library in South Ham.

“We are committed to working with the county council so they fully understand the impact of this proposal and to explore an alternative way of keeping the library in South Ham, including the option for a community group and volunteers to run this much-needed service.

“The community response to the pandemic has shone a light on the fantastic work from residents across the borough pulling together, most of them volunteering for the first time, and they could bring a wealth of knowledge, organisational skills and professional expertise in delivering this service. We understand that these are recommendations but we will continue to make the case for this much-needed and highly valued service on behalf of our residents. We believe it would be wrong to close any libraries across the borough just as we celebrate them reopening.”

As well as the more immediate closures and reductions in opening hours, another proposal to be put to Cllr Woodward next week will be to support those libraries that are closing to become community-managed facilities.

They will be able to apply to the Recreation and Heritage Community Fund, and be part of the Group Membership Scheme, allowing them to be apply to have fresh supplies of books.

Additionally, should a community group want to take over the running of any of the closure-stricken libraries, or extend the opening hours of the ones that remain open, Hampshire County Council have said they will work with groups to achieve this - and that they've had discussions with potential groups already.

However, one ward councillor has said that this is a non-starter.

Cllr Colin Regan (Labour, South Ham) said he was "bitterly disappointed" at the decision.

"It is in an area where it is much needed," he said.

"It was a forgone conclusion. There was always the danger that they were going to shut South Ham and keep Chineham open."

Last week, Cllr Regan and others at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council's full council meeting took turns to passionately explain why all of the at risk libraries in the borough should remain open.

Basingstoke Discovery Centre was never at risk of closure, but will have its hours cut, alongside Tadley library and now Chineham. South Ham will close, if the recommendations are approved, as will Odiham in Hart, whilst community-led Kingsclere library will have HCC funding removed.

"I think we as a council should unite and defend our libraries. Move forward together and hopefully the county council with reverse their decision," said Cllr Gary Watts (Labour, South Ham) at last week's meeting.

Cllr Stephanie Grant (Labour, Buckskin) added: "At a time when families are struggling, I think buying their children books is way down their list of priorities.

"Out of all the conversations that I have had, one sticks in my mind. An elderly lady was telling me about her weekly outing to the library; how she used to walk out of the front door, straight onto the bus and it dropped her right outside.

"Unfortunately this bus service was cut. She now has to rely on family and friends to get her there.

"She has had her last bit of independence taken from her, please don't take her library as well."

However, the other side of the "bittersweet" decision due to be taken next week is the joy of Chineham library being saved.

The tier two facility was the most expensive but also the most visited facility on the shortlist of those to be closed.

And ward councillor Laura Edwards (Conservative) said the reaction of the local community, who rallied around their library, should be applauded.

"It was what we were wanting in the ward and it is good news so far.

"It is not the final decision but it is a step in the right direction.

"The campaign has worked really well to keep things going.

"Moving forward Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council will be working with South Ham.

"It is a bitter sweet decision and it is certainly not a celebration because not all of the libraries have been saved.

"I think issues like this can never be truly political - if somebody is supportive of a library closing that speaks volumes. But I appreciate cuts have to be made.

"I am grateful to the council colleagues for their support."

Cllr Edwards added that she would be "very interested" if seeing whether a community group could run the library during the hours that it is due to close for.