Douglas Councillor voices concern over Henry Bloom Noble Library rebrand threats

Another claims residents 'care more about books than bins'

A Douglas councillor has expressed his concern over 'veiled threats' made online relating to the Henry Bloom Noble Library rebrand whilst others received more emails than when the fortnightly bin collections were introduced.

It was announced yesterday (14 August) that Douglas Council will be changing the name of the library to Douglas City Library.

A number of local authority members highlighted that they'd received more contact from residents than usual over the issue.

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Councillor John Skinner, who said he'd seen threats, also claimed he'd received emails in which he was called a ‘thief’ an ‘imbecile’.

He asked if there could be ‘compromise’ on the name to include 'city' with Henry Bloom Noble but this was rejected.

Councillor Frank Scheungel said he'd received more correspondence about the library than about the change to fortnightly bin collections – claiming ‘residents care more about books than bins’.

He voted in favour of the rebrand saying he believes that the new name will allow the library to ‘shine’.

As vice chair of the Regeneration and Community Committee he declined to take the matter back to the board for further discussion saying ‘time is money’ and the longer its deliberated the more it will cost.

Councillors Janet Thommeny, Stephen Pitts, John Skinner and Devon Watson said they were not in favour of the change of name.

They, and the Mayor of Douglas Natalie Byron-Teare, voted against it.

Andrew Bentley, who chairs the Regeneration and Community Committee, was not present at the meeting.

Council Leader Claire Wells says there’s been lots of misinformation online.

Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to her: