Library and Museum merger "best option" say councillors

Proposals to merge Welshpool’s Library and Powysland Museum have been described as “the best option” by the town’s two Independent county councillors.

Councillors Graham Breeze and Phil Pritchard, who both serve as Independents on Powys County Council, have issued a joint statement explaining why they are both backing plans to relocate the library on the Powysland Museum site.

The statement reads: “As councillors representing the people of Welshpool we are well aware of the critical financial situation being faced by Powys County Council and the many difficult decisions being faced by the ruling Independent and Conservative coalition cabinet.

“Every single department is under serious scrutiny and many services which we now take for granted are under real threat as the council faces up to budget pressures in the wake of cuts in funding from Welsh Government.

“The county council will face a budget gap of £14m in the next financial year and a further £20m over the following three years. Powys has been in the unenviable position of having the poorest budget settlement in nine of the last 10 years, being forced to reduce its budget by £100m over that period.

“Protecting services for Welshpool, along with the jobs of valued staff, is our priority as we as councillors enter unchartered waters in the bid to keep the county authority afloat.

“Across the county all services, including libraries and museums, face the most detailed scrutiny and we are being offered the opportunity to ensure Welshpool continues to benefit from both. Other towns may not be in such an enviable position.

“While we appreciate the concerns of those who are campaigning to ensure that the library service is retained in the current building we are having to face up to reality and see this proposal as the best possible option.

“Welshpool is being offered the opportunity to secure both library and museum services and we are doing everything possible to ensure that this happens.”