18 February 2011
WORKING GROUP TO EXAMINE PROPOSAL FOR THE RELOCATION OF TAFF’S WELL LIBRARY
WORKING GROUP TO EXAMINE PROPOSAL FOR THE RELOCATION OF TAFF’S WELL LIBRARY
Following concern about the decision to close Taff’s Well Library Members of the Community Council along with other residents attended a meeting with County Council officials and the local County Councillor to formally complain about the lack of consultation on the proposals to relocate the local library.
At the meeting Council Officials explained the reasons for the decision which was primarily because of the structural condition of the existing building. Officers of RCT informed the group that the estimated cost of bringing the building up to the required health and safety standards was in access of £100,000.
In respect of the consultation process, officers pointed out that the local County Council Member, Councillor Adrian Hobson, had been consulted prior the Cabinet report and had raised no objections. It was also confirmed that a copy of the Cabinet report was also sent to Councillor Hobson and as no representations or objections were made by the Member the report was confirmed. However, Officers of RCT agreed that, in hind sight, the consultation process could have been better and, as per local agreements, the Community Council should have been consulted.
Members of the representation group pointed out that a large section of the community would be disenfranchised by the relocation, particularly, the elderly and local primary school and requested that further consideration be given to providing a service that would allow these groups access at a local level. After further discussion it was agreed that a local working group be established to explore this matter and make recommendation on what facilities could be retained at a local level.
The working group will consist of a representative from the Community Council, Councillor Jill Bonetto, the local County Council Member and a resident/ Library users from Ty Rhiw, Taff’s Well Village, Glan- y- Llyn and the Tawelfryn areas
Once these discussions have taken place a Public meeting will be held so that everyone can be informed of what is proposed and hopefully agree the next steps that will be taken.
