Neighbouring parishes should stop getting a "free ride" and put their hands in their pockets to keep Ludlow Library fully open, Ludlow councillors have said
Ludlow Town Council has been asked to stump up £20,000 a year over three years to keep the library going.
County councillor James Owen was at a town council meeting on April 20 to answer questions after the call from Shropshire Council, which is battling to stay afloat after declaring a financial emergency and claiming a substantial loan from the Government.
He said no decision has been made and a consultation would have to be held, but added that should the town council fail to contribute, it is likely that Parkway Lane library hours would be reduced.
“If it closed, it would be hard to argue that we’re providing the minimum legal service,” said Councillor Owen, adding that £20,000 is effectively what other parishes are paying for library services.
He said a government commissioner "could say" that Shrewsbury alone covers all of Shropshire,
"We’re arguing that isn’t the case," he said, with libraries elsewhere in the county "a vital service".
Members said many people within a 15-mile radius use the library, therefore neighbouring parishes should also contribute.
“Not many months ago, we were told Ludlow Library was safe, then suddenly this has come up and comes with a £20,000 price tag,” said Councillor Tim Gill.
“But until the Shropshire councillor sorts out the Ludford question and stop Ludford having a free ride on the back of Ludlow for services, we have not got £20,000 to spend for it.”
Councillor Katherine Cowell said there are "a lot of authorities around here who will be very reluctant to put their hands in their pocket".
“There are a lot of people out there who use it but don’t end up paying anything, and I don’t think that’s fair," she said.
Councillor Owen said Shropshire Council has not directly approached the surrounding parishes.
“We are also willing to have any conversations with any parishes on funding assets, like improvements to the library,” said Councillor Owen.
“The difficulty will be is that they also get the mobile library service, so there will be an argument that if they’re putting money in, whether it’s going to the Ludlow or mobile service.”
Councillor Viv Parry said she has approached Ludford Parish Council and Richards Castle Parish Council to discuss the issue.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service has approached Ludford Parish Council and Richards Castle Parish Council for a comment.
Share