Save Our Library!

Residents oppose Tory plan to move and slash Library space by 70%

Wiltshire Council is under pressure to withdraw and amend its planning application for a new building on the site of the former British Heart Foundation.

The plans have been criticised by the Council's conservation officer. She comments "economic considerations appear to have dictated a 'metropolitan' scaled development which fails to reflect the character of the historic city", as well as about breaching the 40ft Rule in the City. The new building will house a Travelodge; Gym; Restaurant and a new "temporary" Library. The Library space has been slashed to just 5,983 Sq Ft, 70% smaller than the approxcurrent 20,000 Sq Ft, over three floors.

The Conservatives even want to move the Young Gallery and put it 'somewhere else'. The Young Gallery, the Children's Library and Reference Library belong where they are! Not slashed, or potentially moved elsewhere.

The Maltings may need investment and development, but not at the expense of our Library. It's the second busiest in the South West region, after Exeter. It ain't broke, don't fix it!

I've been out Saturday mornings recently with fellow LibDems, opposition councillors and other parties, collecting for a Petition against the council's plans to move the library and slash its size. We managed to collect 5,039 signatures, which was jointly handed to Wiltshire Council's full meeting on 26th February. A Motion which I seconded, asking the council to run a full public consultation on their plans, through Salisbury Area Board, was referred to the cabinet for discussion. I will be requesting that this meeting, is at least held in Salisbury.

A recent exact quote from a City Conservative Wilts councillor to a horrified resident: "Sometimes something has to sacrifice for the better good and this time is the library".

We've lost our Police Station; our Bus station and our Post Office. Let's not lose our Library!