Fears that Library is a ‘done deal’
The online and paper petition will be handed over to the Town Clerk, Robert Robinson, this afternoon, who will in turn deliver it in person to Powys on the campaigners’ behalf.
But Mr Robinson said that he fears the effort could be in vain with a decision already made behind closed doors, despite a public consultation still ongoing.
“We (Welshpool Town Council) have been talking with Powys since May to try and save the service, and we have even offered an alternative that would keep the service as it is under our management, but I don’t believe they are interested as it is a done deal,” said Mr Robinson.
PCC want to move the library from its current purpose built building to share space with the Powysland Museum. It would allow the cash strapped council to sell the ailing Neuadd Maldwyn offices near the Railway Station and relocate its staff and services to the library building.
But after we broke the original story following a tip-off from a whistle-blower two months ago, a wave of protest has swept the town to oppose any downgrading of such a vital and well used facility and community hub.
“The Town Council made its position clear and is fully supporting the campaign to keep the library as it is,” said Mr Robinson. “But I fear that they have made their mind up and there is very little chance of it retaining its current status. Of course, PCC have changed their mind before on service cuts, but they have made it clear to us that the library is moving with the addition of ‘subject to consultation’, so I encourage the campaigners to keep fighting as you never know.”
Mr Robinson conceded that the Town Council (WTC) will not be adding any provision for running the library in its 2019 budget, but said that should there be a change of heart from PCC, WTC could absorb the cost for the year before adding the extra annual running costs into the following year’s budget. However, this would no doubt result in a sharp increase in council tax for Welshpool residents.
“Given the current state of Powys finances, I don’t think that any service is safe. All regional authorities are in the same boat, not just Powys,” added Mr Robinson. “Welshpool has done better than many other towns because we have taken on a lot of the services ourselves.”
PCC has previously told us that no final decision has been made on the proposal and is engaging with the public through the consultation to gauge local opinion. However, the tone of the consultation has also been criticised by campaigners.
The consultation can be taken here
What Councillor Phyl Davies, PCC Portfolio Holder for Highways, Recycling and Assets who is leading on a Powys wide property rationalisation project, has said on the issue:
“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.”
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