THE LEAD OFFICER in the redevelopment of Chiswick Library, dismissed fears this week that it may be closed for not adhering to the Disability Discrimination Act, assuring that funding would be made available.

Nick Pratt, head of Cultural Strategy Partnerships at Hounslow Council wrote to the Times this week, claiming: ''The Council is committed to continue to invest in the library'', he comments, ''and to develop the service as a hub of learning and information in the community.

The DDA Act means that some work will need to be carried out on most of our libraries to meet the standards as set out in the Act and funding has already been allocated for this.

Chiswick library does represent a significant investment due to the age of the property, with an equal need to upgrade and if possible improve the facilities at the library. That is why we are exploring working with a private company to bring this library up to the best standards and open up more facilities for community use.

It is still very early days, and though we are optimistic, whether this scheme goes ahead or not, I can reassure readers that there is no threat whatsoever to the future of Chiswick Library. This means that we will continue with the improvement programme, meet the requirements of the DDA Act and continue to offer good quality library services for the people of Chiswick.''

May 30, 2003 11:30