Moray Conservatives apologise ‘for any confusion caused’ by press release as library closures not ‘off the table’
The Conservatives have apologised for causing “confusion” regarding the potential closure of Moray libraries.
A press release sent out by the Tories this afternoon said that the proposals “will no longer be taken forward” after “overwhelming opposition” from the public.
The release, which quoted council leader Kathleen Robertson, deputy leader Donald Gatt and Highlands and Islands MSP Douglas Ross, said plans to shut seven of Moray’s libraries were “no longer on the table”.
All three were expressing their delight at proposals being binned. However, this is not the case.
The proposals have not be axed - but rather the Moray Conservatives will not be supporting them.
No formal decision has yet been made by councillors. This will come in the new year.
A spokesman for the Moray Conservatives explained the situation.
"We apologise for any confusion that has been created by the earlier release that was put out,” the spokesperson said.
"It was certainly not intentional to give any false impression that a final decision had been made in relation to any potential closure of libraries in Moray.
"I hope that local people will see that Moray Conservatives are firmly standing with them and have now confirmed that we cannot agree with what officers had recommended.
"As the council administration we will continue to listen to local people, who we are hugely grateful to for their fantastic engagement with this consultation.
"They will always be our top priority as we now look to put forward alternative plans with officers."
Responding to an earlier request for comment, a Moray Council spokesperson said: "No formal decision has been made through the usual democratic process on the future of the proposal or indeed any future transformation of the libraries service.
“Nevertheless, the response from the consultation process will be reported to council.
“Ultimately, elected members will make these formal decisions at council in the new year.”
