The collapse of libraries contractor Carillion came as no surprise locally.

In November we reported that Cllr Timothy Godfrey was aware that Carillion was in huge financial difficulties and in crisis mode to avoid collapse.

We highlighted how the front door into the Thornton Heath library was broken  and lift had stopped working three year’s ago.

Cllr Godfrey who is the cabinet lead with responsibility for parks, leisure and libraries pledged if they did collapse then: “We will (Croydon council) keep the libraries open and transfer all the front line staff back to the council.”

It happened, he kept his word but surely the question is how did Carillion get away with it for so long?