Janet Finch-Saunders, the Member of the Welsh Parliament for Bangor Conwy Môn, has continuously opposed the proposed relocation of Llandudno Library to Venue Cymru.
A consultation on the proposal found that 76% of library users believe they would find it harder to access the service if it were relocated to Venue Cymru. This is particularly concerning given that 48.3% of respondents said they currently walk to the library, which is centrally located on the high street.
Welsh Conservative Councillor Harry Saville noted a discrepancy between the previously stated annual cost of £126,000 for running the town-centre library and a figure contained in a confidential document recently circulated by Council staff. This is the second time questions have been raised about the actual costs associated with the proposed relocation.
Councillor Saville noted that the document indicated the Council may not be able to deliver the promised saving of at least £100,000 a year from the proposed changes.
Janet commented:
“It's deeply concerning that there are such discrepancies in the reported costs of running Llandudno Library and the savings projected from the proposed relocation. These figures need to be urgently clarified, and Conwy County Borough Council must ensure full transparency regarding the proposals and their costs.
“Relocating the library away from the high street risks creating a barrier for the very people who rely on this service. This is not simply about transferring a building from one location to another; it is about protecting access to a vital public service.
“The strength of local opposition, demonstrated by petitions and the continued correspondence I receive from residents, should not be ignored. I am urging the Council to reconsider this decision before it is too late and ensure that Llandudno retains a library that is accessible, central and genuinely serves its community.”
ENDS
Photo: Janet Finch-Saunders MS/AS
