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Charge for library net use
WESTMINSTER council has banned free internet access in libraries to stop people hogging the computers.
It is still possible to log-on for 30 minutes for free – but a charge of £2 an hour will then apply.
Users say it is cheaper to go to internet cafés and are calling for the council – the only local authority in London to charge for internet use in its libraries – to reverse its decision.
Councillor Daniel Astaire, cabinet member for customer and community services, said the internet was still free if library users owned a laptop.
He said: “We have nearly 140 computers available to the public in our libraries across Westminster. “Due to the extremely high demand for these computers – and to help pay for further improvements to the technology available to customers – we have had to introduce a small charge.”
Library user Sandra Shevey said: “The services that we have come to expect as services in consequence of having paid our council taxes are no longer services. So what is being done with our council taxes?”
Another user said: “It’s another example of the divided society Westminster Tories strive beyond decency to impose.” |
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