Doubtless in company with the many other people who signed the petition to save our local libraries, I recently received a letter from our local MP, Nicola Blackwood.

While managing to say very little of substance, she did let slip one piece of information which should put all those interested in the campaign on their guard.

Apparently, Mr John Jackson, Director for Social and Community services insists that in order to meet the £2m savings target, a 30 per cent reduction in expenditure on new stock would be required in addition to a 30 per cent reduction of opening hours.

Such a reduction is deemed unacceptable by Mr Jackson.

Well, I am very sorry to offend the delicate sensibilities of Mr Jackson, but as a council tax payer and user of my local library, I deem his attempt to close our library unacceptable.

Surely we could weather a period of reduced services and have them restored when Ms Blackwood and her colleagues have wrought their economic miracle? After all, MPs’ expenses have been reduced recently, but they would all rather have some expenses rather than none.

The rest of the letter and enclosures seem quite clearly to me to show that nothing has really changed despite the period of consultation promised.

It was also very interesting to read that the consultation period will now start in May, having been postponed from February.

Am I a cynic, or does this postponement and the emollient tone of Ms Blackwood’s letter have anything to do with attempting to kick this issue into the long grass until the local council elections are over?

Incidentally, the letter was printed on heavy gauge embossed House of Commons writing paper and enclosed in an envelope of exquisite quality. It was also sent by first class post, of course.

So here’s a practical suggestion: multiply the cost of printing and mailing this letter and four sheets of enclosures by the number of people who signed the library petitions, who presumably also received the letter.

That expense could have been used to help our libraries.

Those who control our amenities are so wedded to waste that they just don’t get the point.

Martin Roberts Stone Close Botley Oxford