Moving Welshpool library into museum ‘saves jobs’

Since it emerged Powys County Council planned to move Welshpool’s library in with the Powysland Museum, campaigners have been calling for it to be scrapped.

The authority wants to free up the library to house staff currently based in council buildings Neuadd Maldwyn, which it is planning to sell off.

When details emerged, a campaign group was set up to save the library. Welshpool Town Council tabled plans to take over the service.

However, county councillor Phil Pritchard, who also sits on the town council, believes the Powys plan to relocate the library is the best option to preserve jobs.

He said: “I support the county council’s position because it is the best option to preserve jobs, and that is the most important thing.

“By having the library and the museum, it will preserve jobs and it will keep services in Welshpool, which is what people want.

“The Powys plan will protect jobs, and there is no other format that will do that, and on that basis I am in favour of it.”

A consultation on the plans ended last week.

The authority is expected to discuss the matter and make a decision at a cabinet meeting next week.

The town council had tabled plans about possibly taking over the running of the library, and other services in the town.

However, the authority said it was not confident with the information it was presented with.

Last month, Phyl Davies, Powys cabinet member for property, said: “We have to be confident that plans meet appropriate service delivery standards and that any staffing changes have been carefully considered to ensure they meet employment legislation.

“Unfortunately, despite informing Welshpool Town Council of our review many months ago, alternative plans have only just been submitted.

“Regrettably they do not provide us with the confidence that they are deliverable and will protect the county council’s assets in the town and staff employment rights.”