While appreciating the concerns over the loss of some library services in the Forest, perhaps we should all be putting our minds to finding solutions?

Let's face it, the government cuts were always going to be unpopular and painful. None of us want to see such vital services disappear but, at the same time, we have to face facts and come up with alternative ways of providing the services people want and often depend upon.

The loss of the mobile library services will undoubtedly hurt some of the more vulnerable people in all our outlying communities, including our village of Alvington. To help resolve this, our Parish Council is considering creating its own 'community library' in the village hall where people can either borrow or exchange books.

Most of us have books lying around in our homes that we have read and put aside – so why don't we share these for the benefit of everyone else in the community? It's a simple idea that could help fill the gap left by the mobile library service if it stops.

We might even take it a bit further and offer coffees and teas during opening times. Maybe even a computer with broadband that people can use to stay in touch with friends and family. Even training on how to use a computer might be organised.

Of course this would depend heavily on the support of the community and on volunteers being prepared to give up a little time each week to run such a facility but it could turn a negative cut in to a positive community benefit, particularly if it helps to encourage people to come together.

­– Jim Winship, chairman, Alvington Parish Council.