Formal plea for fresh look at Church Stretton library move is turned down
A formal request to look again at Shropshire Council's decision to move Church Stretton library has been turned down, to the outrage of campaigners.
Councillor Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council's cabinet member for culture and commissioning, rubber-stamped the plan to close the current library building in Church Street and move the service to Church Stretton School, despite widespread public opposition.
An official call to bring the decision back to Shropshire Council for scrutiny was made by three councillors after library campaigners called the decision-making process "undemocratic".
But despite a request to Shirehall from councillors Heather Kidd, Roger Evans and Charlotte Barnes to call the decision in, a fresh review has been refused by Shropshire Council's scrutiny committee.
Felicity Thomas, speaking for the Church Stretton Library Support Group, said residents and library users were being ignored as the decision was "bulldozed" through.
She said: "Those councillors involved in foisting this unacceptable decision on Church Stretton residents have no concern or respect for local people trying to develop a valuable public library facility at the heart of the community.
"Those councillors involved in this charade should hang their heads in shame."
However, officials at the council have said a working group and advisory board will be set up to address the issues that have been raised about the impact of the relocation.
A spokesman for Shropshire Council said: "
We've stated our case, that in our view this process has all been legal and above board."
