Library should also be funded by neighbouring parishes

Neighbouring parishes should also put their hands in their pockets to keep Ludlow Library fully open.

That is the view of Ludlow Town Council (LTC), which has been asked to stump up £20,000 a year over three years.

The call has come from Shropshire Council, which is battling to stay afloat after declaring a financial emergency and claiming a substantial loan from the Government. Councillor James Owen, who is responsible for library services as part of his portfoilio for housing and leisure, was at an LTC meeting on Monday (April 20) to answer councillors’ questions.

He explained that no decision has been made yet, and a consultation would first have to take place. However, he said, should LTC fail to contribute any money, the likelihood is there would be reduced hours at the library, rather than the Parkway Lane site closing altogether.

“If it closed, it would be hard to argue that we’re providing the minimum legal service,” said Councillor Owen, explaining that £20,000 is effectively what other parishes in Shropshire are paying for library services.

“If we went to a government commissioner, they could say that Shrewsbury alone covers all of Shropshire. We’re arguing that isn’t the case and having certain libraries in certain places is a vital service, and Ludlow is one of those.

“Bayston Hill want to provide the service themselves – that makes a saving for Shropshire while keeping the service. We’re looking at it on a like-for-like basis.”

Members told Councillor Owen that many people within a 15-mile radius use the library, therefore neighbouring parishes should also contribute.

“Not many months ago, we were told Ludlow Library was safe, then suddenly this has come up and comes with a £20,000 price tag,” said Councillor Tim Gill.

“But until the Shropshire councillor sorts out the Ludford question and stop Ludford having a free ride on the back of Ludlow for services, we have not got £20,000 to spend for it.”

Councillor Katherine Cowell added: “What can you offer us as support? Because there are a lot of authorities around here who will be very reluctant to put their hands in their pocket and spend money.

“There are a lot of people out there who use it but don’t end up paying anything, and I don’t think that’s fair.”

Councillor Owen said Shropshire Council hasn’t directly approached the surrounding parishes, but is going into the major towns because it feel they have a better relationship.

“We are also willing to have any conversations with any parishes on funding assets, like improvements to the library,” said Councillor Owen.

“The difficulty will be is that they also get the mobile library service, so there will be an argument that if they’re putting money in, whether it’s going to the Ludlow or mobile service.”

Councillor Viv Parry said she has approached Ludford Parish Council and Richards Castle Parish Council to discuss the issue.

“I agree, they should be putting in extra money,” she said.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service has approached Ludford Parish Council and Richards Castle Parish Council for a comment.