A parish council says it needs to fully understand what the plans are for Ludlow Library after being told it should help fund it.
Last month, Shropshire Council told Ludlow Town Council that it needed to stump up £20,000 a year over three years.
Councillor James Owen, who is responsible for library services, told councillors at a meeting that, should Ludlow Town Council fail to contribute any money, the likelihood is that hours at the library would be reduced, rather then being closed altogether.
He explained that £20,000 is effectively what other parishes in Shropshire pay for library services.
The town council’s argument though is that, due to many people within a 15-mile radius using the library, 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 stops Ludford having a free ride on the back of Ludlow for services, we have not got £20,000 to spend for it.”
Councillor Imogen Liddle, the chair of Ludford Parish Council, said a meeting has been organised by Shropshire Council devoted to library reorganisation.
“Until we actually get information from that meeting, we are short of full-scale information with regards to what Shropshire Council are proposing,” she said.
“We have had no official information or request for information from Ludlow Town Council. The first we knew about this was a report in the press.
“So, at the moment we are in a slightly neutral position. Clearly, it is a big decision and discussion, and if you’re talking about library provision in south Shropshire, then there at least five other parish councils, as well as Ludford and the town council, who are within the district.
“We have been doing some research, but without fuller disclosure, we can’t really go any further forward.”
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