Leader of the Merton Council, Cllr Stephen Alambritis said: “I will not stand by and allow Merton’s residents to be hoodwinked about the future of our wonderful libraries. Unlike other councils around the country, Merton Council has not only kept all of our libraries open during these difficult financial times, we have gone further and increased overall opening times.

“As we have repeatedly said, there are no plans to move Wimbledon library or to change its use, in fact we are improving the children’s section and refurbishing much of the library in the autumn. However, to avoid any on-going confusion or false rumours I am removing any reference to Wimbledon Library from the recent council document that has been so misrepresented. And, let me be crystal clear – no ifs, no buts – as long as I am Leader of this council, Wimbledon Library remains safe both today and in the future.”

ends