New hope for Moreton Library (From Tewkesbury Admag)

New hope for Moreton Library

7:00am Thursday 3rd November 2011 in Cotswolds

LIBRARY users in Moreton could benefit from longer opening hours if plans to share the facilities get the go-ahead.

The library on Stow Road had its hours cut from 27 to 12 last month as part of the county council’s drive to save £114 million over the next four years. The town council has made a number of complaints about the cuts which came into effect after Stow became the area’s main library.

Members of the council met with Councillor Antonia Noble and the county’s library services manager Sue Laurence last Tuesday to discuss Moreton library.

Chairman of Moreton Town Council Rod Hooper said Stow had become a main library because of its location, but that he wanted to see a quality service in Moreton as well.

He said: “The county council is investigating the possibility of the library premises being shared with other bodies. They could open Moreton library up to the original hours.”

Other Cotswold libraries, such as Bourton and Campden have also changed their opening hours.

Moreton resident Jennifer Forbes, aged 67, is disappointed with the reduction in hours. She said: “I have not been so much because the hours are not as convenient.

I have heard Stow has got more hours. They seem to get more of the new books too.”

Coun Antonia Noble, cabinet member with responsibility for libraries, said: “We’ve had some very positive discussions with partners about working with us in Moreton.

We’re at a very early stage and it’s too soon to give details, but all being well we’re looking at a solution that would benefit all.”