Talks held in row over Church Stretton library move

Discussions over Church Stretton Library are being held between representatives of Shropshire Council, Church Stretton Library Support Group and legal experts to find a resolution.

It comes after a judicial hearing investigating the council's plans to move the library from its current home in Church Street into the town's secondary school started in Birmingham yesterday.

Legal proceedings had been brought against the council by the library support group to have the decision to move the library quashed. It is believed the talks are aimed at finding a resolution to the dispute outside of the court room.

None of the parties involved were able to comment on the situation as the Shropshire Star went to press due to the sensitive nature of the talks.

Felicity Thomas, spokeswoman for the Church Stretton Library Support Group, said more details were likely to be released today.

Councillor Stuart West, Shropshire Council's cabinet member for leisure and culture, said: "A judicial review hearing was scheduled to begin yesterday in Birmingham.

"The council will not be commenting until the hearing is concluded."

The campaign group has previously said taking action was a "last resort" in its fight against the relocation of the library to Church Stretton School in Shrewsbury Road.

In March last year it was announced the library would move into the town's secondary school after months of campaigning against the plans from a community action group.

The council has claimed the move would save £55,000 a year in running costs. But the campaign group secured 1,100 signatures on a petition against the move.