'Release the missing business case for town library move'

Row over relocation in Llandudno rumbles on as councillors call for chance to scrutinise proposals

- By RICHARD EVANS Local Democracy Reporter

BACKBENCH councillors have slammed a North Wales council cabinet, claiming a business plan for the relocation of a library has yet to emerge.

The row centres around the relocation of Llandudno library, from Mostyn Street to Venue Cymru as part of a multi-million-pound regeneration of the theatre funded by the UK Government.

Despite the potential investment, hundreds of Llandudno residents opposed the move as part of a public consultation, whilst shopkeepers on the high street, backed by Mostyn Estates, feared a reduced footfall in the town centre.

Earlier this month Conwy's cabinet backed the plans, despite concerns a business plan, requested by an earlier scrutiny committee never materialised.

At the special economy and place overview and scrutiny committee on July 2, Cllr Chris Hughes proposed councillors backed the plan for the library move, and this was seconded by Cllr Dave Jones before it was voted through.

Making the proposal at the meeting, Cllr Chris Hughes said: "I have to move the recommendation and I do so not lightly. I do so on the basis that Charlie [leader Cllr McCoubrey] has promised a satisfactory business case will be provided... would be expected."