West Barnes library is an important and much valued community facility. The proposed redevelopment mentioned previously in this newspaper provides an opportunity to secure our local library’s long term future and provide residents with improved services, including a community hall, public toilets and larger library floor space.
Should planning permission be granted, the existing library will of course have to close for a time during redevelopment of the site. It will therefore be crucial to ensure that this transition period is managed effectively by Merton Council and that local users are not unnecessarily inconvenienced. As ward councillors, we have been questioning council officers in detail about this and are assured that, as far as possible, normal library services will be provided in local locations. We understand that ‘pop up libraries’ are planned for West Barnes during that period.
Of course this is still some way off yet. The important thing now is that local residents are consulted throughout the process and their voices heard on the shape of their new library. We would therefore encourage anyone who hasn’t yet responded to the consultation to do so before the deadline (Friday 24th October), either on the council website (www.merton.gov.uk) or by filling out a questionnaire available at West Barnes or any other Merton library.
Councillor Brian Lewis-Lavender
Councillor Gilli Lewis-Lavender
West Barnes Ward Councillors (Conservative)
- Send your letters to: letters@wimbledonguardian.co.uk
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