Georgie Robertson speaking at Monday’s full council meeting

THE Town Hall has been asked to consider allow­ing homeless people to sign up to become members of libraries.

Labour councillor Georgie Robertson told Monday’s full council meeting that rough sleepers could benefit from being able to access the service.

She said: “In my grand­ma’s experience and I think for many, libraries are such an important resource and service for countering loneliness and isolation. I think many homeless people are often unable to become members because of not having a fixed address.”

Camden leisure chief Councillor Jonathan Simpson said he did not want to see any library close due to local author­ity cuts. He was working with community groups with a view to arranging longer opening hours.

He said: “Absolutely, we want to make sure they are accessible to anyone who wants to use them. It’s absolutely the principle of why we have them. They are univers­ities at the end of our high streets.”