GMB slams Newham Council’s ‘bird-brained’ decision to flog historic library to chicken shop

They’ve chosen to feather their own nest and allow GMB’s birth place to become a Nando’s, says GMB Union

GMB, Britain’s general union, has slammed Newham Council for flogging an historic public library where the union was formed to a fast food chain.

Grade II listed Canning Town library – which hosted political speakers such as Keir Hardie and Sylvia Pankhurst as well as GMB founder Will Thorne, looks set to become a Nando’s. [1]

Following a speech at the library in 1889 trade unionist Will Thorne formed the National Union of Gasworkers and General Labourers — now known as the GMB — and helped organise the London Dock Strike of the same year. 

Warren Kenny, GMB Regional Secretary, said:

“This bird-brained move by Newham Council shows an utter disregard for East London’s proud history.

“GMB understands local authorities have been driven to the wall by the Conservative’s austerity project.

“But we had been in talks with Newham about turning the library in to a learning space – which GMB would have had offices in.

“Instead they’ve chosen to feather their own nest and allow GMB’s birth place to become yet another chicken shop.”

ENDS

Contact: Gordon White on 07583 050974 or GMB Press Office on 07958 156846 or at press.office@gmb.org.uk

Notes to Editors:

[1] https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/nando-s-plans-to-replace-historic-east-london-library-with-restaurant-blasted-as-an-abomination-a3954191.html