Outcry over 'absolute madness' move of library from high street to seaside venue
A massive pushback materialised this week when a petition bearing 1,800 signatures was delivered to Conwy council, opposing the Llandudno library and tourist information centre's relocation to Venue Cymru. Cllr Mike Priestley, who headed the economy and place overview and scrutiny committee at Bodlondeb, informed fellow councillors of the public's resistance as part of a wider 'save our high street' initiative.
Breaking down the numbers, Cllr Priestley stated that there were 936 signees on an e-petition and another 688 on paper. Additionally, 230 signatures came from outside the county; however, council policy disqualified those from consideration.
Cllr Harry Saville presented the petitions with strong disapproval of the planned move, articulating an urgent plea: "We, the undersigned, say that keeping them where they are now, attracting over 200,000 visits a year, is vital to sustaining Mostyn Street as a busy, vibrant, and viable town centre," underlining the integral role these facilities play in drawing foot traffic and supporting local commerce. He further criticised the decision, asserting that, "It is a bad decision and naive at best to suggest purposefully removing high street amenities won't have a substantial impact on footfall and retailers, let alone all the community support given by both."
The outcry over Conwy Council's proposed relocation of Llandudno library has provoked impassioned pleas for a re-evaluation. One opponent firmly demanded: "We demand that the council reconsider this move and conduct and make public a professional economic impact study of the proposed move."
He highlighted the importance of transparency concerning the community consultation: "We know that this has been out to consultation. I think it's really important to see what those consultation responses say."
Councillor Saville voiced his hope that the council's library strategy might pave the way to secure Llandudno library's future. Reflecting on a successful campaign from three years past, he referenced Colwyn Bay library's rescue after public opposition stalled its relocation.
Cllr Saville expressed his aspirations: "I would really hope that now, three and a half years later, if there is similar resistance from the public to relocating Llandudno's library, that Llandudno is treated fairly and it's library remains in the library building."
Meanwhile, Jonesey1 comments: "The Very Best of British Luck to the petitioners" but harboured scepticism about the council's receptiveness, suspecting the decision might effectively be a 'one deal'."
AlbertKelly asks: "Are they suggesting that 200,000 travel to Mostyn Street for the sole purpose of visiting the library, or do those 200,000 travel Mostyn Street to visit the library and go shopping on the same visit?"
Daffyddthomas also questions: "Why would anyone want to visit a Library in that carbuncle? If it does move people need tp boycott it, the council have done enough damage to Llandudno and Colwyn Bay as it is, anything they come up with is usually not in the public interest."
Morpick says: "Sadly, Conwy CBC have a record of not taking any notice of such consultations and the views of constituents. They go through the motions, ignore the results and simply do what they want. In this case they will go to all the expense of relocation and then close the facility within 18 months because it will not be used."
Emileeee queries: "Why is it that nearly all councils in Wales seem absolutely determined to destroy Wales's economy and their local areas and towns? From tourism to the 20mph to the tourist tax etc etc, as an outsider looking in I can't believe what I read about such things on an almost daily basis, it's almost like they are on a collision course to destroy Wales and seem totally oblivious to what they are doing, is there no one in Welsh politics that can see the damage they are doing?"
Steamnut believes: "Slowly but surely Wales is dying. All of the councils are shutting services such as libraries, toilets and reducing refuse collections albeit in the name of 'improved recycling'. They are trying to to raise their incomes through rates, holiday home "taxes" and increased car parking charges but there are limits to that. The books simple don't balance. The WAG sits on it's hands and blames Westminster. The Labour Government recently saved the closing of blast furnaces in Scunthorpe whilst letting Tata close theirs with no support from Government - why? Devolution has not worked for Wales and it sometimes feels that Westminster is punishing Wales by short-changing it. Until Wales has it's own profitable industries this decline will not stop. The relocation of a library will be the least of our worries as Wales is broke."
Chloe46toyota says: "What's the reasoning on why they want to move the Library as there are plenty of people that enjoy the hub of the high street, not visit the decaying theatre complex with no other amenities around. Oh I forgot they may be allowed to use the toilets."
MickHookem replies: "Why would they not want to? There's a car park, a bus stop right outside and much better disable access than the current place. Not everybody who visits libraries enjoys driving round and round in circles waiting for a parking space to become free."
Statistix comments: "Or are 200,000 visits made by people who go to town for the library and then shop there? Because if so, and the library is moved, they would probably go to one of the retail parks and be able to park, thus not visiting either the town centre or the library."
Froggyfrogs feels: "Absolute madness to move the library to Venue Cymru. The library is perfectly fine where it is, especially being close to bus stops in both directions for those who don't drive. People I know come into town to use the library, but then use the cafes and shops close by during the same trip. It's not rocket science, yet once again we are faced with a council that has no common sense! As for also moving the tourist information office with it, that's just what visitors need isn't it? To go all the way down to Venue Cymru to find out what's going on in town!"
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