Hope 'absolutely crucial' Tenbury library will get a boost

That's the message from Reform county councillor Justin Bowen, who represents Tenbury and the Villages, who believes the town's library could serve as a pilot site for Worcestershire’s push to expand library services into broader community hubs.

It comes as a new Worcestershire County Council strategy has no plans to reduce library staff.

Speaking at a county council cabinet meeting, Mr Bowen said he was "delighted" to hear the new coalition administration was "continuing the Reform policy of protecting libraries".

But he said he wanted to make a pitch for Tenbury, where the nearest library apart from the town's own, is 10 miles away in Ludlow.

Pointing out that Citizens' Advice, Age UK and the TSB banking hub all use the Teme Street site, Coun Bowen said: "The library that we have is an absolutely crucial part of the community."

He made a plea that the council uses Tenbury Wells as a pilot "sooner rather than later" as it looks to roll out more services into libraries.

He wanted the online reporting service for potholes and other issues, which he said is "inaccessible to many of our elderly residents", available, as well as the ability to get advice and support.

"Tenbury is an area that has suffered greatly and I think it would be a great opportunity to perhaps do a pilot in there for expanding services which then could provide a model for when LGR [local government reorganisation] comes," he added.

Coun Bowen said he would like to discuss his ideas further with environment and communities cabinet member Coun Josh Robinson.

The wider strategy outlines how libraries across the county already host banking hubs, vaccination sessions and digital cafes.

But it is calling for greater outreach, more digital opportunities and improved community engagement, particularly with underrepresented groups such as young people and non-library users.

The plan will be supported by reallocating existing resources rather than increasing funding.