04/03/2013 - Permalink

Residents asked for their views on Oswestry’s My Community Hub and library

Related topics: Community

Local residents and users of Oswestry’s My Community Hub and library are invited to give their ideas and views about their experiences of the service.  

Oswestry’s My Community Hub has been very much a ‘work in progress’, and we have continuously been consulting with library users and Oswestry residents to ensure that any changes meet the needs of local people.

When the hub was first introduced, a commitment was given to review its progress after six months, so we would like people to tell us about their experiences; if they have enjoyed visiting the hub, what else they might like to see included in the hub and how else we could improve the experience for visitors to the hub or the library.

We are now drawing towards the end of the trial period for My Community Hub, which is based at Oswestry Library, and are keen to capture people’s thoughts on how they think the hub has performed by inviting you to respond to a simple survey.

The aim of a community hub is to improve the range of services to local residents, and will give people the convenience of accessing services in one place, rather than going to different locations, which will be of particular benefit to vulnerable people.

As a result of the community hub moving into the library, the library hours have now been extended to include Thursdays.

Tina Woodward, Shropshire Council’s deputy Cabinet member with responsibility for customer care, said:

“The first My Community Hub, based in Oswestry Library, has been in place now for five months and we would welcome users’ feedback.  There is currently an opportunity from now until the end of March 2013 to complete an online survey on the ‘have your say’ section of shropshire.gov.uk, or to complete a short survey available in the library and My Community Hub.

“The comments and responses will be considered and analysed, with a plan for the findings to be considered at the end of May 2013.  Any longer-term changes or decisions will be made after this time.” 

Martin Bennett, local Shropshire Councillor for Oswestry East, added:

“Over the last few months I have been keeping an eye on the situation and monitoring use and the day-to-day issues.  I would like to urge all users of the library and the hub to complete the survey; we really need to get as many views as possible to make an informed decision about the future of this new venture.”

We are keen to hear people’s experiences of visiting My Community Hub and using the services offered.  Anyone who has recently visited My Community Hub, the library or both is urged to please get involved and share their feedback by clicking here.

All responses will be treated in confidence, and we will make every effort to act upon your thoughts and suggestions to make the hub an improved resource for the people of Oswestry in 2013 and beyond. 

Further information

The community hub offers a space where people can be helped in a confidential and welcoming environment.

Staff are on hand to help you to access a wide range of services available from Shropshire Council, and those of other public services and charitable organisations, either face to face or via PCs and a free telephone link.

Services available at the hub so far include:

  • Housing
  • Registrars
  • Public protection/enforcement
  • Community action
  • Planning
  • Adult social care
  • Learning and skills
  • Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
  • Primary Care Trust (PCT)
  • Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB)
  • Age UK
  • Jubilee Money advice service
  • Bromford Support
  • Equity Housing Group