A Friends group has been set up for Brixton Library and Tate Gardens.

Unique in character, since there is no other dual-purpose group, the members have made a great deal of progress in a very short time. This has been made possible by the single-minded determination of everyone in the partnership. We have representatives from Regeneration, Parks, Libraries, the local police Community Safety Unit, local residents and many other agencies in the area.

We have attended a problem-solving day with the police and others, where we heard of the plans to carry on the cleaning up of the area and how we can all take part in this, even if it is just to say how we want our own local amenity to suit local needs.

Messages of support have come from the Chief Executive, the Executive Member for Education, the Executive Member for Environment and other Councillors.

Since last November, we have secured £6,000 in funding for "topping off" the railings outside the library and £50,000 from Lambeth Capital Opportunities Fund, with the support of Councillor Clare Whelan, Executive Member for Environmental Services, for some simple environmental improvements designed to repair some of the long term neglect and to reduce levels of anti-social behaviour.

This has come about because we are all determined to improve the area for everyone in Lambeth. It would not be possible without the support of the people who live, work and study in Brixton. This is your area and this is a wonderful opportunity to make a difference. Brixton needs you! This group needs people to do more than pay lip service Ñ we need people to manage the treasury, the mailing list, the meetings and all the tasks associated with a successful group.

The publicity has been widely available for months, including the Brixton Society kindly doing a hand-delivered mail shot, yet there are more local people who could be actively involved Ñ so come on and join in; the difference is you!

Vincia Bennett
Senior Librarian
Brixton Library

BrixtonLendingLibrary@lambeth.gov.uk