PROPOSALS to relocate Colwyn Bay Library due to concerns over maintenance costs have been shelved following strong opposition from residents.

Conwy County Borough Council has amended its draft Library and Information Strategy 2021-2026 to create a community hub at the library after three quarters of participants in its consultation opposed its relocation to the council’s Coed Pella offices.

It is understood the council wanted to cut the £175,000 maintenance costs for the Woodland Road building by replacing it with a community hub on the ground floor of the council’s flagship £58million Coed Pella site. There were also concerns that the Coed Pella offices are “underused”, particularly as more staff have worked from home since the pandemic began.

A consultation over the five-year strategy was held from May to July, with 74.9 per cent of participants stated they were against the move.

A petition to stop the closure of the “much-loved library” was also signed by nearly 1,800 people, with concerns that library services would be severely reduced at the new site.

Colwyn Bay county councillors had voiced their concern over the proposed move, while MP for Clwyd West, David Jones said he had been contacted by a number of constituents over their fears for the “much-loved historical and architectural feature”.

But the council has now confirmed it has amended its proposed strategy with an options study and business case for a community hub based at Colwyn Bay Library.

Cllr Mark Baker, cabinet member for arts, heritage and culture, said: “We’re grateful for the feedback that we have received in response to our public survey. We’ve noted the tremendous support for our libraries and our staff.

“In view of all the comments received about Colwyn Bay Library, we have amended the Strategy and now propose to look at options for delivering a community hub.”

Once the strategy has been approved by councillors, the actions in it will be prioritised and detailed work will be carried out on each proposal over the next five years.

The strategy will be discussed at the council’s economy and place scrutiny committee on 20 October, before being presented to cabinet for a decision on Thursday, October 26.

The consultation had also for residents’ views on taking part in a feasibility study for a Community Hub in Abergele. The Abergele Town Centre Study Vision and Master Plan proposed to undertake a feasibility study of the Youth and Community Centre, Library, former Health Centre and car park site.

Around a third of the respondents to the consultation supported this, but 41.5 per cent responded, ‘did not know’ to the question. The council has therefore proposed that this action remains in the strategy with further public engagement in any feasibility study work.

Residents' responses to the consultation included support for continuing to work in partnership with health and social care to explore the range of opportunities library spaces and resources provide to support mental health and wellbeing

There was also support for increased use of technology to improve access to council information services.