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Council reacts to overwhelming support of Colwyn Bay library


October 19, 2021 - 1718 views

The resounding support for services remaining at Colwyn Bay library rather than face a reloction to Coed Pella has encouraged Conwy Borough Council to rethink their approach and amend their strategy document which will soon be going before councillors for approval.

The draft strategy sets out what needs to be done over the next five years to make sure Conwy’s Library and Information Service meets the needs of local communities. The plan went out for public consultation between May and July.

74.9% of respondents did not support the move of the Colwyn Bay library service and in view of public feedback it is now  recommending that a study be drawn up on the feasibility of delivering a community hub on the existing library site.

However remaining in the existing building will require investment and it’s proposed that businesses cases will be submitted.
 
Cllr Mark Baker, Cabinet Member for Arts, Heritage and Culture said, “We’re grateful for the feedback that we have received in response to our public survey. We’ve noted the tremendous support for our libraries and our staff.

“In view of all the comments received about Colwyn Bay Library, we have amended the strategy and now propose to look at options for delivering a community hub.”

The consultation also asked for views on taking part in a feasibility study for a Community Hub in Abergele. The Abergele Town Centre Study Vision and Master Plan proposed to undertake a feasibility study of the Youth and Community Centre, Library, former Health Centre and car park site.

Around a third of the respondents to the consultation supported this, but 41.5% responded, ‘did not know’ to the question. The council have confirmed that this action remains in the strategy and that public engagement should be undertaken as part of any feasibility study work.

Once the strategy has been approved by Councillors, the actions in it will be prioritised and detailed work will be carried out on each proposal over the next 5 years.

The Strategy will be discussed at the Council’s Economy and Place Scrutiny Committee on 20 October, before being presented to Cabinet for a decision on 26 October.

The meetings will be broadcast and can be viewed on the Council’s website www.conwy.gov.uk