LAUNCESTON Town Council has agreed to Cornwall Council funding and carrying out a feasibility study looking at the future of the library service in the town, and where it could be located.

It could be the first step to the town council eventually taking on the running of the library service from the local authority.

Cornwall Council has said funding cuts from Central Government have meant they have had to reduce the amount spent on some services, and it has to make savings of £1.8-million from the existing £4-million library and one stop shop service budget.

The local authority has been working with city, town and parish councils and community organisations that are interested in having the library and/or information services devolved to them.

It is accepted that the library service cannot continue in the long term in Launceston from its current site on Bounsalls Lane, due to the condition of the building. The feasibility study or appraisal will look at facilitating a new library space.

While Cornwall Council said it would fund and procure the work, it asked for the town council to join it in partnership so it can have its input, which town councillors agreed to. However, the statutory obligation to deliver a library service will stay with Cornwall Council.

Down the line, Cornwall Council said, if agreed to by both partners, library devolution would continue ‘based on an interim operating model for the current building whereby Cornwall Council continue to carry the maintenance risk and liability of the structural fabric and mechanical and electrical infrastructure of the building, but the town council run the service and day to day servicing, which will include staff costs, rates, utility and cleaning costs’.

Cornwall Council officers explained that it wants the town council to agree to take on the running of the library by March 2019, when the majority of libraries will have been devolved. If it does not, Cornwall Council would ‘progress direct delivery of the development of any preferred option arising out of the appraisal’ — without the town council’s input.

Adam Birchall, former head of property at Cornwall Council, who has been involved in talks in the past about the library with the town council attended the meeting ‘for consistency’ despite his change of role, and said: “It’s really important to me personally to find a way to a conclusion. The library is the core of some really interesting opportunities for us collectively.

“We know we can’t escape the fact the library is in a poor physical condition. We know it’s beyond economic repair other than ongoing patching for a limited period and we have to accept that reality about the building.

“There are a series of sites across the town that give us and you some potential options. What would be really helpful tonight is an understanding that you are happy to join in as an equal partner in shaping that brief and commissioning that work.

“What we also have to accept is if there is to be an alternative proposition for a building it is inescapably going to take time.”

Julie Zessimedes, Cornwall Council’s head of library and information service, said: “We are currently half way through a four-year programme trying to find sustainable solutions for each of the 31 libraries.” She said so far there has been ‘a variety of property solutions’, including asset transfer and community hub models. She said it has been ‘a really positive piece of work’.

Town councillor John Conway asked: “The legal responsibility of running the library rests with Cornwall Council. Why are you asking us to spend to run what’s your responsibility? Why are you asking us to be your shopfront and us to pay for it? To my mind that’s totally wrong.” Reminding those present that in the past the town council had said it would consider taking on the running of the library under conditions, such as taking on one of Cornwall Council’s car parks in Launceston and therefore the income generated from it, Cllr Conway continued: “I will not vote in favour of something that doesn’t give us an income stream.”

Mayor Margaret Young said: “We are here to listen and collaborate. We are going to actually move forward or not. It’s not really a floor for discussion.”

Cllr Paul O’Brien expressed his support of Cornwall Council’s proposal: “I fully accept the need to set the criteria to establish which buildings are suitable for use and which aren’t. I’m very much with you and supportive of you.” He suggested the Westgate Centre as an alternative base for the library service, while Cllr rob Tremain suggested the job centre. Cllr Tremain said: “As I see it we are either going to work with you or we are not. If we don’t, we haven’t got any say, you will just do what you think is best for Launceston. We have all got to work together for the benefit of us all. If March 2019 comes and we haven’t joined in you will do with it what you wish.”

Cllr Brian Hogan said: “Personally I would like to support the proposal, at least for the feasibility study. One of the opening paragraphs [of Cornwall Council officers’ report] says Cornwall Council are prepared to fund it, so let’s have it done for free! Okay, when there’s some meat on the bones, that’s the time for more discussions.”

Cllr Hogan’s proposal supporting the feasibility student, with Cllr Conway’s amendment ensuring this does not yet commit the town council to taking on the library service, was passed.

The options appraisal should be ready in the summer.