by Nora Parminter

A LETTER from the chairman of the Friends of Crediton Library (FoCL) appeared in the Courier on Friday, October 2, issue 1053.

The letter, from Julie Maddison, explains that the FoCL appreciate the valuable role of Crediton Children’s Centre and its need to be re-housed after the sale of its former premises, where houses have now been built. There are, however, serious reservations about the compatibility of two very different services in the same building, without one having to make serious compromises.

She says the Library building is very small with limited toilet facilities, and if, as FoCL fear, the Children’s Centre will occupy the space currently housing non-fiction and the computers, which would then move into the main section of the library, making this even more cramped.

Other concerns she highlights include the possible loss of parking spaces if the building is extended, issues about noise, the worry that the library will be compromised by the very specific needs of the Children’s Centre’s safeguarding needs and a fear that footfall will decrease, which could lead to the closure of the library.

The Friends also fear that essential fundraising, social and literary events may no longer be held, at the library, due to a lack of space.

There are also serious concerns over the lack of any real and meaningful consultation with library users and members of the community.

Please let me know your views about the proposed relocation of the Children’s Centre to Crediton Library.

Contact me at 102 High Street, Crediton or email: [email protected] .

What you told us ……….

We thought the children’s centre might move to Crediton hospital, then we heard it might move to Hayward’s School. There are reasons for and against the sharing of the library. The library is not really that big. I think it should stay as a library and the Children’s Centre should have its own premises.

Anne MacKenzie, Crediton.

I don’t have children, but I am a bit upset about the proposal. I enjoy reading books at the library very much and I like to do it in peace and quiet – children do not need peace and quiet! You can’t mix the two together. For the sake of the reader and for the children - both are incompatible. I also don’t think any more houses should be built.

Jack Robbins, Crediton

I can see a few problems arising from it. It’s a shame because they are taking away all the buildings in the town and building more houses. Although I can also see benefits of the Children’s Centre moving into the library. I don’t think that they should take away buildings to build more houses.

Pamela Dobson, Crediton