Yesterday, despite major public opposition, the Conwy First, Welsh Labour, and Plaid Cymru Cabinet of Conwy County Borough Council voted in favour of moving the Library to Venue Cymru.
76% of library users have stated that they would find access to the service harder if it is moved to Venue Cymru.
Cllr Louise Emery has proven that the financial case is flawed, revealing that the £46,000 of saving listed as an electricity bill is incorrect, as the Local Authority is only liable for 38% of that bill.
There has been a major community campaign which has seen over 1000 back a petition opposing the move.
Commenting on the Cabinet decision, Janet Finch-Saunders MS said:
“I commend Cllr Louise Emery for succeeding to get a sound grip on the Local Authority’s figures, something all the Cabinet members had clearly failed to do. Her scrutiny has rightly embarrassed the Council on its shambolic management of this scheme and proven that the savings are thousands of pounds less than advertised.
“Unlike Cabinet members such as Cllr Julie Fallon who considers the move the right way forward; Cllr Goronwy Edwards who described the scheme as an exciting project; and Cllr Chris Cater who support the change despite receiving letters from constituents opposed; I believe that closing the library on Mostyn Street is a disastrous decision.
“It is clear that the Conwy First, Plaid Cymru, and Welsh Labour leadership in this Local Authority have failed to listen to locals.”
ENDS
