Chance to have your say on a new Bromsgrove Library (From Bromsgrove Advertiser)

Chance to have your say on a new Bromsgrove Library

11:40am Friday 20th July 2012 in Local

TOWNSFOLK are being encouraged to have their say on plans to close Bromsgrove Library, relocating it in the former Parkside school building at a one-stop shop of council services.

A public consultation is launching on Monday on the proposals that would see the library moved to the site, in Stourbridge Road, as part of a new multi-purpose community facility including a customer service centre, registry office, a community hall and offices for staff.

As well as the convenience of providing all these services in the same area, re-locating the library could also improve services for library users with increased opening hours, more space for adult and children's learning, extra meeting space, increased wifi and internet access, and a cafe.

As well as improving services the proposal, if implemented, would also contribute to the Libraries and Learning team's drive to save £1.8m, or 28 per cent, of its budget over the next few years as part of Worcestershire County Council's Better Outcomes, Lean Delivery savings programme.

The council say the existing Bromsgrove Library in Stratford Road is in need of costly repairs, has no flexible spaces for learning, and no potential for sharing spaces with other services - which is the key way the Libraries and Learning team is seeking to achieve its savings.

The consultation will run for 12 weeks until October 12, and a public meeting is also planned for September.

Councillor Anthony Blagg, county councillor for Bromsgrove Central, said: "The Hive in Worcester has been a tremendous success and I would want any new library in Bromsgrove to again become a place where local people feel proud and inspired.

“I would urge everyone to make their views known."

To fill out a questionnaire, or for more details, see worcestershire.gov.uk/libraries.