Wednesday, April 20, 2005

Councillors have decided to keep Hebden Bridge Library at its current location.

Members of Calderdale Council's Cabinet last night voted to redevelop the library on its current location in Cheetham Street.

The decision follows a detailed consultation of households in the town.

Residents were invited to comment on two options: a move to single storey accommodation at the Hebden Vale Centre or remaining in extended and refurbished premises on the Cheetham Street site in the town centre.

A postal consultation was carried out in December of last year in which 3,421 questionnaires were sent out. Of the 1,083 questionnaires returned to the council, 87% expressed a preference for remaining on the existing site.

Work on the new library is expected to start in January 2006 and should take between six and nine months.

A detailed design and tenders will now be drawn up for a redevelopment scheme - with the Council already making £485,000 available from its Investment Plan.

Whilst most of the building will be occupied by the library service, space has also been reserved for a Customer First service point. The library could be a possible site for Customer First, as funding becomes available. Discussions will also be held with a range of local groups to examine whether and how their special interests could be accommodated.

Meeting room space will be made available to voluntary agencies and at other times the room will be use by local groups and societies.

In the draft plans for the site, the library would occupy two floors, rather than the existing one. An extension on the side of the building would contain a new entrance, stairs and a lift to the upper floors and toilets.

A spokesperson for Calderdale Council said,

'Significant consultation was undertaken and there was an overwhelming view from residents that the district library should remain in its existing location.

'Cabinet therefore supported the project preferred by residents, rather than simply choosing the least expensive option.'

The council will continue to consult on the project - the next step will involve design events to allow the community to contribute their own ideas.

Update
Sunday, April 24, 2005

Hebden Bridge Library Investment Welcomed

Labour candidate Chris McCafferty has contacted the Hebden Bridge Web to welcome Calderdale Council's decision to "invest in redeveloping and upgrading" the library in Cheetham Street, Hebden Bridge.

Chris said: "Hebden Bridge deserves a library that meets modern standards for access, and offers excellent facilities to the town. And after the recent loss of a number of Council-owned buildings, it is vital that Calderdale shows its commitment to the community by investing in vital public services at the heart of the town.

"I am pleased that the plans will allow for the inclusion of a Customer First facility, and that there is a promise to talk to local groups about how the building can be used to offer flexible meeting space for community groups. A number of organisations lost out when the former Tourist Information Centre closed, and will welcome the chance to be involved in the detailed planning for the library.

"I am sure local people will want to get involved in the promised community planning event, and hope that the project proceeds quickly."