It’s headline news this week and so it should be! Cymdeithas trustees have been strongly opposing the plans to move the library for a number of reasons.
Like many we have argued that the Council:
Have not followed Due Process
Have made their decision in advance of public consultation
Have completely ignored the strength of public opinion
Did not even consider County Hall as an option in their funding bid to Welsh Government.
We have also raised 2 issues specific to our aims of promoting and protecting our heritage:
County Hall is an iconic grade 2 listed building in the heart of our town. It must be protected
County Hall is an ideal location for an exhibition area for our materials including those held in storage by the Council since the tourist information centre closed.
The 2 letters attached: one to CADW, the other to the Culture Minister, highlight these issues. We have also written to the Leader of the Council but have as yet to receive a reply.
Aberaeron's first public library was opened in County Hall in 1883. It was the right place for it then. It is still the right place for it now.
In total agreement. But what hasn't been mentioned is that CCC could have been making a profit out of the Town Hall for years. They could let out the empty rooms and have businesses alongside the library for years. How they imagine they can now become profitable landlords when they certainly haven't to date - they can't even organise refuse collections!