Albrighton Parish Council agrees to consider running Albrighton Library

Albrighton Parish Council has agreed to consider taking over the running of Albrighton Library – if the plans get a positive response from the local community.

Under the plans, Albrighton Parish Council would lease the library from Shropshire Council, and run it on Shropshire Council’s behalf. Opening hours might slightly change, and customer services hours could be extended. Library staff would become staff members employed by Albrighton Parish Council.

A public consultation will be launched on Friday 23 October 2015, running through to Friday 4 December 2015, to ask people for their views on the proposed changes.

Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for business and culture, said:

“It’s been well reported that we need to make significant savings from our libraries budget.

“However, Shropshire’s libraries are a vital and integral part of our local communities and we’re working extremely hard with our partners to find ways that will enable our libraries to remain open, and to continue to provide a valuable service to the people of Albrighton and the surrounding area for generations to come.

“We’re pleased that Albrighton Parish Council is considering taking over the running of Albrighton Library on our behalf, and we very much look forward to hearing people’s views on these proposals.”

Councillor Sylvia Pledger, Chairman of Albrighton Parish Council, added:-

“This is an opportunity for the councils to safeguard the library services for the residents of Albrighton and surrounding area, as well as providing an excellent office environment for the staff of Albrighton Parish Council, which is accessible and welcoming for all of our residents.”

Comments on the proposed changes can be submitted from Friday 23 October on the Shropshire Council website at shropshire.gov.uk/get-involved – where more information about the plans can also be found. Information and surveys are also available from Albrighton Library and Albrighton Parish Council offices.

The closing date for replies is Friday 4 December 2015.

Shropshire Council has installed a direct Freephone link from Albrighton Library to Shropshire Council’s customer service centre, and have installed a public computer that people can use to access council services and other information online.