Councillor pleads for understanding as Rutland officials debate Ryhall Library’s fate amid budget concerns.
Councillor pleads for understanding as Rutland officials debate Ryhall Library’s fate amid budget concerns.
Rutland Councillor Urges Colleagues Over Ryhall Library Future
The council planned £70,000 for library upgrades. Now, they estimate costs near £250,000. The council claims they cannot afford this amount and must save millions in the next few years.
A local action group disagrees with the council’s figures and says repairs under £30,000 would suffice. A community group might take over if the council withdraws support; this group includes the parish council.
Councillor Wilby urged colleagues to review citizen cost ideas and asked them to be innovative and understanding. Wilby hopes they can keep the library open, as it is a vital local resource. He asked them to consider the library kindly.
The area has seen considerable housing development. The council consulted residents this month about the library. Councillor Wise said she read all the responses received and noted several respondents raised ‘very sound points’.
Councillor Johnson said that the budget did not decide the library’s fate. Councillor Powell said Johnson’s answers lacked clarity. Residents asked about finances and reserve usage and wanted to know if reserves could save the library; answers seemed indirect.
Johnson stated libraries are becoming “living well” centers that will offer services beyond lending books. Oakham’s library will soon have a youth hub. The council is working on this project now.
They cannot yet break down costs per library but are finalizing designs with architects. Tender documents will be made public soon, and contract prices will be published after awarding contracts.
Johnson said the April decision will respect the agreed library budget. The council wants to enhance library services.
The council planned £70,000 for library upgrades. Now, they estimate costs near £250,000. The council claims they cannot afford this amount and must save millions in the next few years.
A local action group disagrees with the council’s figures and says repairs under £30,000 would suffice. A community group might take over if the council withdraws support; this group includes the parish council.
Councillor Wilby urged colleagues to review citizen cost ideas and asked them to be innovative and understanding. Wilby hopes they can keep the library open, as it is a vital local resource. He asked them to consider the library kindly.
The area has seen considerable housing development. The council consulted residents this month about the library. Councillor Wise said she read all the responses received and noted several respondents raised ‘very sound points’.
Councillor Johnson said that the budget did not decide the library’s fate. Councillor Powell said Johnson’s answers lacked clarity. Residents asked about finances and reserve usage and wanted to know if reserves could save the library; answers seemed indirect.
Johnson stated libraries are becoming “living well” centers that will offer services beyond lending books. Oakham’s library will soon have a youth hub. The council is working on this project now.
They cannot yet break down costs per library but are finalizing designs with architects. Tender documents will be made public soon, and contract prices will be published after awarding contracts.
Johnson said the April decision will respect the agreed library budget. The council wants to enhance library services.