Dear Supporters, I received an email from a local petitioner to let me know that our campaign has achieved a partial victory.. On the council's website it states that yesterday, 'The decision has been taken to bring Ealing's library service back under direct control of Ealing Council. This move will ensure continuity of service for library users and allow time for all the options for the future of the service to be reviewed and considered. For some time the council has been closely monitoring the financial situation regarding Carillion and ensuring robust contingency plans were in place. Since Carillion entered liquidation we have ensured that all our libraries have been fully open and delivering a continuous service. In order to secure the most efficient, value for money and high quality library services for residents and the future of the service, the decision has been taken to bring the service under the direct control of the council, with effect from 1 February 2018. All current library staff will have individual meetings to ensure they make a smooth transition to the council. Councillor Ranjit Dheer, deputy leader of the council said: “I know that library users, residents and staff have been very concerned about the recent events in relation to Carillion. The decision to bring the library service under direct control of the council will, I hope, allay those concerns and allow time for all options for the future delivery of a high quality library service to be considered. “We are also seeking assurances from government on any funding that may be required to meet any increased costs in association with Carillion delivered services.” ' 'https://www.ealing.gov.uk/news/article/1722/changes_to_ealing_library_service. I say 'partial' and not full victory since this campaign wants an unequivocal guarantee that all of Ealing's Libraries will stay In House on a permanent basis and that they will Never be outsourced again! I am also pleased to note that the Council will now be meeting with all Library staff affected by the Carillion collapse, face to face, however this is done logistically around its branches rather than simply putting out its media spin on its official web site. So this battle is won but the war continues. Also, the Democratic Office in the Council has been in touch to invite me to a meeting in March to put forward the campaign's case. Thank you to everyone for your support and still keep signing the petition and spreading the Word for more signatures until further notice. I will keep you updated. Blessings always, Akuba (Grace Quansah)