Should Whitchurch library's £200,000 makeover go ahead?

Thousands of pounds earmarked for a north Shropshire library could be better spent elsewhere as the county council looks to make cuts of almost £60 million, it has been claimed.

Whitchurch Library on High Street will see improvements made to its interior and the entrance will be moved from the side to the front of the building in the £200,000 scheme.

The scheme has been developed following concerns from visitors who have had difficulty in accessing the building. The cash had been earmarked as part of Shropshire Council's capital programme which runs until 2014/15.

But last week, Shropshire Council announced it was looking to make funding cuts of almost £60 million over the next three years in the face of a severe Government squeeze.

Today Whitchurch resident, Rob Hewson, said he could not believe the plans.

He added: "What I don't understand is they want to make cuts of £60 million then spend £200,000 just improving the front of the library. Surely that £200,000 could be spent somewhere better, on the roads, improving pavements?"

James Anthony Edwards, head of Libraries and Information at Shropshire Council, said there will be a coffee morning in the library, 10am until noon on August 13.

"Staff from libraries and property services will be present to answer questions and gather people's views."