We, the undersigned, OPPOSE plans to demolish the current Redditch Town Centre Library without a fully costed and viable plan for future location of ALL its services.

We believe the plan to demolish the library is being pushed forward despite a number of valid concerns from the residents which have been ignored.

We believe that demolishing the library will have a negative impact on the town.

It is one of the busiest libraries in Worcestershire, often attracting (pre Covid 19) 800-1200 people a day to Church Green, and consequently to businesses in the Kingfisher Centre.

We believe that demolishing the library will have a negative environmental impact.

The library, which is thriving, is a purpose-built building with no structural problems. In a time of climate crisis, it is a travesty to spend £4m to destroy a perfectly sound building and its surrounding newly laid and expensive paving to create an empty space.

We PROPOSE drafting a funded plan for a fully protected library service in the heart of Redditch Town Centre.

This plan must be supported by honest and open consultation with all library users and residents across the town.

If any changes are to be made, it will not be acceptable to downgrade floor space, facilities or staff, who have worked hard to keep facilities going through the Covid Crisis. Only equal or upgraded facilities will be acceptable.

We propose keeping the library as a key to a broader strategy to help revitalise the town centre that focuses on:

• helping local businesses by maintaining footfall outside of the Kingfisher Centre
• enhancing Church Green by maximising uses of space already available
• and making the centre of Redditch a welcoming and safe place once again.