Shifnal Library could be saved by town council

Shropshire Council wants to offload its libraries to save cash and has approached local town councils to ask if they would be prepared to take them on.

Shifnal Town Council has agreed to take over the running of the town library and has submitted plans which are now out to consultation to find out what townsfolk think.

Under the plans, Shifnal Town Council would lease the library from Shropshire Council, and run it on Shropshire Council's behalf.

Opening hours would be extended and the library staff would become staff members employed by Shifnal Town Council.

The proposals would also see Shifnal Town Council take over the running of the Customer Service Point, which is located at the library and provides people with face-to-face information and advice about council services.

A public consultation was launched today this week and will run until the end of October asking people their views on the proposed changes.

Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council's cabinet member for libraries, said: "It's been well reported that we need to make significant savings from our library budget.

"However, Shropshire's libraries are a vital and integral part of our local communities.

"We're working extremely hard with our partners to find ways that will enable our libraries to remain open and continue to provide a valuable service to the people of Shifnal and the surrounding area for generations to come.

"We're pleased that Shifnal Town Council is keen to take over the running of Shifnal Library on our behalf, and we very much look forward to hearing people's views on these proposals."

Councillor Robert Harrop, Shifnal town mayor, added: "This is an opportunity for the councils to safeguard the library services for the residents of Shifnal, as well as providing an excellent office environment for the staff of Shifnal Town Council which is accessible and welcoming for all Shifnal residents."

Comments on the proposed changes can be submitted on the Shropshire Council website at shropshire.gov.uk/get-involved – where more information about the plans can also be found.

Information and surveys are also available from Shifnal Library Customer Service Point, Shifnal Town Council offices, and Katrina's in the high street.

The closing date for replies is October 26.

Meanwhile, Shropshire Council is to install a direct Freephone link from Shifnal Library to the Shropshire Council's customer service centre, and install a public computer that people can use to access council services and other information online.