Powys denies ‘done deal’ on Library

Powys County Council has refuted a claim that the Welshpool Library issue is a ‘done deal’, but has ruled out the Town Council’s offer to take over the running of the service.

Cabinet Member for Property, Councillor Phyl Davies, was responding to claims from Welshpool Town Clerk, Robert Robinson, that, despite a public consultation in progress, the decision to downgrade the library and co-locate with Powysland Museum had already been made behind closed doors.

He was speaking out after he felt PCC had not taken the Town Council’s offer to take on the service seriously, despite several meetings since May.

But Cllr Davies questioned whether the offer had the full support of the Town Council and said that discussions left PCC feeling that “regrettably they do not provide us with the confidence”.

He told us: “The county council has been reviewing its office and building accommodation for some considerable time to ensure it is making the best possible use of its assets. 

“The review is designed to make the most efficient use of buildings, reduce running costs and where possible generate capital receipts, while maintaining service delivery and protecting assets for future use. All of which has to be achieved against a backdrop of severe financial pressures.

“Throughout the process the council has been open to ideas from partner organisations and successfully co-located or transferred responsibility for services to others in many towns across the county.

“However, any partnership or co-service plans have to be backed by robust business plans, that have been fully and professionally costed to ensure that any asset is properly protected for the future. We have to be confident that plans meet appropriate service delivery standards and that any staffing changes have been carefully considered to ensure they meet employment legislation.

“Unfortunately, despite informing Welshpool Town Council of our review many months ago, alternative plans have only just been submitted. The plans, which will not maintain Powys County Council run services in the town, will be considered along with other comments generated though the public consultation. 

“Regrettably they do not provide us with the confidence that they are deliverable and will protect the county council’s assets in the town and staff employment rights.

“It is also unclear at this stage whether or not the plans have the full support of the town council’s elected members.”

Yesterday, a petition with more than 4,000 signatures was handed in to Mr Robinson who will deliver it to PCC on the campaigners’ behalf.