Keith Brown, member of the Scottish Parliament for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane, has strongly criticized the proposed closure of Dunblane library by Stirling Council’s Labour administration, which was propped up into administration after striking a deal with the Conservatives. 

The proposed cuts, which would see Dunblane’s hugely popular library close its doors, have sparked outrage amongst the Dunblane community – a number of whom have contacted Keith directly, stating not only their dismay at this proposal, but also at the Council’s lack of communication with residents.  

Keith Brown MSP slammed these measures, stating that they would disproportionately impact the well-being of Dunblane residents and impact particularly on the social lives of the elderly and the young.  

Keith Brown MSP’s staunch opposition to the proposed cuts echoes the sentiments of many residents of Dunblane, who are advocating for a budget that creates a better balance of between the need to protect public finances, while continuing to support local communities.  

SNP MSP for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane, Keith Brown, said: 

“I understand the financial strain that our public services are under, and having been a councillor myself, I also understand that Councillor’s have a legal obligation to produce balanced budgets, usually based off potential options presented by Council officers.” 

“Proposed cuts of this magnitude however are not just detrimental; they are an outright betrayal of the people of Dunblane, and across Stirling Council, who voted in this administration to support their area – most recently at the by-election held just a few weeks ago.”  

“At a time when our communities are already grappling with the far-reaching consequences of the cost-of-living crisis, caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the pandemic, and exacerbated in the UK by the Labour and Tory party’s Brexit – it is unconscionable for the very same parties to further burden them with reduced access to vital and basic public services, like a local library.” 

“I don’t doubt for a second the stress that public finances are under – but the approach needs to be more equitable, and I call upon the Labour and Conservative administration to look again at these proposals and prioritize the well-being of residents above short-sighted financial measures.” 

“I urge the Labour administration to listen to the voices of the number of Dunblane residents who have contacted my office, and who they serve – and work towards solution that works for everyone.”