CLOSED POLICE STATION TO BE LIBRARY-IT HUB
Jill Bonetto Chairman of Community Council
The Community Council and the local working group, formed to retain some library facilities in Taff's Well, has been examining some of the implications surrounding Taff's Well Library’s move to the Coleg Morgannwg -Taff Ely Learning Campus.
The group has continued to express its strong opposition to the move, which was approved without consultation with local residents, and firmly believe that the transfer would be to the detriment of local people. However, as the move is now certain to take place, the Community Council has concentrated its efforts on finding a suitable venue and has agreed that the recently closed Police Station could be converted for this purpose.
Commenting on this initiative Councillor Jill Bonetto, chairperson of the Community Council
said:- "In addition to the proposed mobile library service the Community Council has agreed to lease the former Police Station on Cardiff Road and convert it into a library hub and internet learning centre.
Working with local residents a Community Development Charity has been established and registered with the Charity Commission. This initiative will not only reduce the rates payable on the building but act as a vehicle to develop and expand further services.
It is hoped that by working in co-operation and partnership with the County Council and other organisations a volunteer bureau; community information centre; job club and credit union can be established within the area.
The Community Council will guarantee payment of the lease, for a period of 5 years, and the Community Development Charity will examine further sources of funding thereby establishing a sustainable development that will be to the benefit of local people.
With recent closures of police stations and library services his initiative is a prime example of what can be achieved when people and local authorities work together and one that we believe can be replicated within different communities.
We are grateful for the assistance given to use by both the County Council and Police Authority in making this venture possible".
Jill Bonetto Chairman of Community Council
