THE mayor of Launceston provided town councillors with an update of the progress being made to acquire a new site for the town’s library during the full council meeting on September 17, reaffirming that the working group is still ‘being proactive’.

Cllr Dave Gordon, who is a member of the town council’s working group tasked with overseeing proceedings, said: “We [working group] had a library update meeting yesterday [September 16]. The preferred site is still being negotiated.

“Cornwall Council are still number crunching to assess what can be included realistically. We have spoken to a representative from PBWC Architects who has come up with a very basic outline drawing, and I mean very basic, just of what can be achieved with no detail on it.

“When we are at a certain stage it will be inclusive for the town council and public, but I just wanted to reassure you that the conversation is still going on and we are being proactive.”

He added: “I think things will start to come together soon as I think the rest of the group would agree?”

Cllr Paul O’Brien said he had visited a number of libraries in the Plymouth area and he thought a lot could be learnt from their example.

“To sum up it was all about using the space for community involvement. There were things like cafés and other facilities incorporated into the space. In all it was bloody brilliant!”

He advised: “To those tasked with his, I would say we are not looking for a mile and a half of shelves but something for the community.”

Cllr Margaret Young agreed and said she had recently visited Helston’s library and suggested that would be a good model for the town to gain incite from.

Cllr Gordon suggested a few town council members get together and take The Little Red Bus to visit these libraries. The councillors agreed this was a good idea.

Cllr John Conway said: “I say this with the deputy leader of Cornwall Council in the room, we were promised we would have this library in three years.

“You can kick the can down the road too far, we want to have it but it could go on and on and on if you don’t push for it. It could be a really great and exciting thing for the town but we must make sure it is done on time.”

Cllr Gordon said the working group had made it clear to Cornwall Council where they stand.

Cllr Young confirmed the council had set a time frame of three to five years, adding: “We have very constructive meetings. As you probably know if you have someone selling a property you can’t force their arm, these things take time.”

She added positively: “But, hopefully, this week will see the acquisition of a site.”

Cllr Gordon concluded: “Launceston will achieve a damn sight more with the devolution from Cornwall Council than most.

“We will ensure it will be a deal worthy of pride from the town and at each meeting we will push a little harder.”