Controversial Library consultation begins

Residents from the Welshpool area can have their say on the county council’s plans for moving the library in with Powysland Museum.

The move would allow council staff to switch to the library building from Neuadd Maldwyn which is being sold off. A consultation launched today will last until November 25.

The proposal, which was revealed by MyWelshpool after we were tipped off by a whistleblower, has incensed users who have launched a petition in support.

But Powys says it will save cash as they bid to find savings of £37m by 2023 and unless the move is backed, either the library or the museum could face closure.

However, residents point to the fact that it is the second busiest library in Powys and has become a vital community hub for the town.

Councillor Phyl Davies, Portfolio Holder for Highways, Recycling and Assets who is leading on a Powys wide property rationalisation project, said: “We are looking to co-locate Welshpool Library with Powysland Museum next year to help rationalise the number of properties we have in the town and keep both services up and running. 

“If we don’t take some action now we may be forced to close either the library or the museum in the near future to save money.

“We know residents love the library and the museum, and would prefer to see them unchanged, but we genuinely don’t feel this is the best option for the town or the future of the service.  We’d like to put our case on the table and seek views on the options that we feel are facing us or hear any alternatives.”

You can have your say here.