REDDITCH LIBRARY DEMOLISHING - COUNTY COUNCILS RESPONSE FALLS SHORT

Worcestershire County Council has responded to our petition to "KEEP OUR LIBRARY AT THE HEART OF REDDITCH - WITH A GUARANTEED PLAN AND FULL SERVICES."

We welcome the commitment that there is "no intention of reducing the library offer" but the response lacks information, gives no guarantees, and fails to reassure us that there is any organised plan being put into place.

Questions still to be answered include -

?] Will the library be relocated? If so where? There is no suggested alternative location, although the investment into Redditch Town Centre is considered "positive."

?] Will all services which currently run out if the library be protected? There is no guarantee that the number of books, public access computers, or archives will be maintained in a new location.

?] Will a relocated library be equivalent in size and space?

?] What information has been communicated to the government following their request for further detail based on the Town Deal bid?

?] When will the public be consulted on any future changes to library services?

The response tells us that a report will be presented to Worcestershire County Council in early 2022.

In other words they are keeping us in the dark for longer.

The campaign for open and honest communication with the public will continue - because your voice and your opinion matters.

The full text of the response is as follows

Sent on behalf of Cllr Matt Dormer, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Communities.

Dear Ms Kane and Mr Baker

Thank you for presenting the petition to Council on 11 November, 2021.

Firstly, I would like to reassure you, the County Council is committed to delivering a full range of services from Redditch Library, to meet the needs of local residents and has absolutely no intention of reducing the library offer.

The County Council's five year strategy for libraries, positions them as a front door for council and community services, further developing their role as community hubs and increasing engagement with a wider community audience. Far from reducing library provision, the County Council is working to expand the library service offer to meet a wider range of council priorities and community needs. This remains the case in Redditch and across Worcestershire.

The potential re-location of Redditch Library forms part of a wider town plan that will improve Redditch Town Centre for local people. This is a positive development for Redditch and the County Council are pleased to be working with the Borough Council on its development.

Officers, from both the Borough and County Councils, are working closely to develop a more detailed plan and set of requirements for the re-located library which will ensure it remains a high quality, modern, accessible community space, delivering a wide range of services with both new and existing partners, to meet the needs of Redditch residents.

A report detailing plans for Redditch Library will be presented to Cabinet in early 2022 (date to be confirmed).

Kind regards
Cllr Matt Dormer