Old Town Library - Changes by the Back Door? (Swindon Liberal Democrats)

Swindon Liberal Democrats <info@swindonlibdems.org>

Old Town Library - Changes by the Back Door?

April 12, 2010 12:17 PM

Library Following the success of library campaigner Shirley Burnham's 'Save Old Town Library' campaign last year, there are fears that the Old Town library service might be watered down without proper consultation.

Cllr Dave Wood, Eastcott, who is councillor for ward where the library is situated, said:

"I have not been made aware of any consultations to move the Old Town Library to a multi-use room at the Arts Centre. A planning application has been put in to allow a multi-use room to house a library. It seems to me that the consultation should take place now, rather than presenting a 'done deal' following planning permission."

Library campaigner Shirley Burnham added:

"Users of Old Town Library have not been consulted at any stage prior to the submission of this Planning Application, in spite of pledges by councillors to keep them regularly updated.

"Disturbingly, the Application wholly omits to inform as to the quality and standard of library that is proposed to replace the existing one on Victoria Road, issues that are of considerable concern to users and residents. The Application does, however, envisage no change to the exterior of the Arts Centre building whose facade and access from Devizes Road are perceived to be (when not lit up and in use by theatre-goers) somewhat discreet, bleak and unwelcoming.

"I have objected to the Planning Application because, as it stands, it enlightens not at all. It is a lightweight, back-of-a-cigarette-packet, insubstantial document. Residents reasonably expected a document that would enable them to make an informed judgement about the proposed works."

To view Application:

http://194.73.99.13/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?keyval=KZUBP8PT04V00&searchtype=PROPERTY&module=P3

Response Form for comment, approval or objection:

http://194.73.99.13/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_comments_entryform.aspx?caseno=KZUBP8PT04V00