Issue - meetings

That:

1)     The relocation of Twyford library be proceeded;

2)     The allocation of £330,000 of S106 funds to the project be agreed; and

3)     The lease agreements for the new library site (as summarised in the report), and the delegation of authority to the Director of Place and Growth, in consultation with the Executive Member for Climate Change & Resident Services and the Executive Member for Business & Economic Development, to complete the lease be approved.

(Councillor Stephen Conway declared a personal and prejudicial interest on this item, he left the room and did not take part in the discussions or vote.)

The Executive considered a report containing an update on the proposal to relocate Twyford library.

Councillor Clive Jones explained that there had been a campaign for a permanent library in Twyford for around 20 years, with a huge amount of public support.  He thanked the Polehampton Charity for engaging with Council for so long.  He also wished to pay tribute to the late Dave Turner, who was a trustee of the Polehampton Charity and worked very hard to transfer the library to the old Polehampton Boys School historical site.

Councillor Clive Jones explained that historical buildings played a vital role in the community and helped to connect people with their heritage.  The old Polehampton Boys School site would provide a permanent home for the library and was a good example to partnership working between the Council and Polehampton Charity.

Councillor Lindsay Ferris pointed out that this was a facility within the northern area of the Borough, which another positive aspect of the project.  This facility would be used by residents of not only Twyford, but also Hurst, Charvil and other villages around.  He extended his gratitude to the Polehampton Charity and the late Dave Turner in helping to achieve this project.

Councillor Prue Bray confirmed that the campaign to move the Twyford library had been ongoing for over 20 years.  She too wished to thank the Polehampton Charity for their patience for the time it had taken to agree to the relocation of the library.  She informed that there was also a vision for a Twyford Hub in the site, this was the stage 1 of the project.

Councillor Prue Bray extended her gratitude to Councillors Stephen Conway and Lindsay Ferris, and Dee Tomlin who had been a councillor for many years for Twyford and had also campaigned for the relocation of the library.

Councillor Lindsay Ferris explained that there would be an opportunity to raise revenue from the current library site, which could then be used to fund the new library.

RESOLVED That:

1)     The relocation of Twyford library be proceeded;

2)     The allocation of £330,000 of S106 funds to the project be agreed; and

3)     The lease agreements for the new library site (as summarised in the report), and delegates authority to the Director of Place and Growth, in consultation with the Executive Member for Climate Change & Resident Services and the Executive Member for Business & Economic Development, to complete the lease be approved.