Move of library out of town centre takes step forward despite outcry

THE closure of Llandudno's high street library has moved a step closer despite “grave concerns” over the actual amount of money the project will save.

- By RICHARD EVANS Local Democracy Reporter

Last week Conwy Council unveiled visual plans of the £10m redevelopment of Venue Cymru, which is dependent on securing UK Government funds, with the hope of transforming the “tired” building into an arts centre.

But the extension plans include the closure of the current Mostyn Street library to save “£126K” a year, despite public outcry, a petition, and a public consultation revealing that 76% of 999 residents feared the move would reduce access.

One of the main concerns was that closing the library could reduce footfall on Mostyn Street, damaging the economy.

Speaking against the development on behalf of the Llandudno Business Forum, John Merrick said: “We can't support proposals that place the high street and local businesses in jeopardy. Llandudno is an international tourist destination, and part of its popularity is a thriving high street.”

But a vote by Conwy’s special economy and place overview and scrutiny committee at Coed Pella this week moved the closure a step closer but not before one Llandudno councillor questioned the council’s sums.

Conwy Council’s head of finance Amanda Hughes said moving the library would save the authority £126K a year, costs which came from a service charge to landlord, national non-domestic rates, utility bills, and cleaning. “If the library was moved, we are confident we would save over £100,000 of these costs,” she said.

But Llandudno councillor Louise Emery said there was a lack of information regarding the costings of Venue Cymru for the next 10-15 years. Cllr Emery said she was sceptical about the £126K savings as the figures, which she’d requested from the head of finance ahead of the meeting, had altered from an earlier estimate of £154K after Ms Hughes “double checked” the figures from the previous month.