THERE was some good news in Crediton last week when it was announced that Crediton Library will not have to share its building with Crediton Children’s Centre – however it may only be a partial reprieve.

It was announced on Friday, October 23, that Cllr Roger Croad, the Devon County Council cabinet member responsible for libraries, had agreed that the council’s plans to reduce the library space to accommodate Crediton Children’s Centre in the same building would now not go ahead.

Crediton Library has the most footfall of any library of its size in the county.

Campaigners against DCC’s plan to almost half the library space to include Crediton Children’s Centre have been lobbying to prevent it from happening.

The Friends of Crediton Library Group (FoCL) also opposed the proposal.

Devon County Councillor Nick Way (Crediton Rural), told the “Courier” last Friday: “I had a long conversation with the head of Library Services and also contacted Cllr Roger Croad about our concerns and the likely resulting reduction to footfall if the plan went ahead.

“They have at last listened to my views and the comments presented to them at a recent meeting with opponents of the plan.

“I am pleased to say that I have had a message from Cllr Croad who has agreed their plans to reduce the space should not go ahead after all.”

Crediton Children’s Centre recently moved into new premises at Old Hayward’s School, East Street, Crediton, from where it runs a number of services and at the nearby Crediton Fire Station.

The Friends of Crediton Library said it wants to see a lively and viable library in the town and said any cuts in funding or reduction in the size of the building would result in a serious impact on its services, which are enjoyed by many local people.

DECISION IS ‘A GREAT RELIEF’

Julie Maddison, Chair of FoCL, said: “DCC’s decision comes as a great relief, and we trust that the Library’s funding – and existing space – is secure at least for the foreseeable future.

“In the current climate of budget cuts, FoCL will continue to be vigilant in trying

to protect Crediton Library and the interests of its users.

“We welcome suggestions for new ways of reaching out to new and existing visitors. The purpose of a library is constantly changing, but it will always be an important community meeting place for accessing information and for sharing ideas.

“Crediton’s library is a particularly successful example of a busy library serving a wide area and delivering a wide range of useful services to the many diverse sections of our community ".

Mrs Maddison said that anyone wishing to join FoCL and help support the library, is welcome to contact her by email: [email protected] .

OFFICES AT THE LIBRARY?

However, since the news that 40 per cent or more of Crediton Library would not be lost to Crediton Children’s Centre, it has been revealed that Crediton Children’s Centre office facilities may need to be housed at Crediton Library as part of cost-cutting moves by Devon County Council.

The library currently has just one office area and it is feared that a part of the library may be required for office space for Crediton Children’s Centre.

The Children’s Centre and Library already organise jointly-run events at Crediton Library.

Recently it was announced that Crediton Police Station would close in 2016/17 and officers relocated to a new and smaller office at another location in the town.

Also, Mid Devon District Council last week announced that from April 1, 2016, it plans to close its Crediton office at the Council offices, Market Street, Crediton.

• Do you think Crediton Children’s Centre office facilities being housed at Crediton Library would be a problem for users of Crediton Library?

If you have a view, why not share it with fellow “Courier” readers?

Send a letter, suitable for publication, to the Editorial Manager, “Crediton Courier”, 102 High Street, Crediton EX17 3LF or email: [email protected] .

Alan Quick