Proposed closure of Heathfield Library

Overview

Heathfield Library is to close on 17 March 2011 because the existing library site in Percy Road has been sold to the NHS Local Investment Finance Trust to enable the development of a new health centre for the Heathfield and Whitton areas. The decision to sell the site was taken by the Council on 7 July 2008.

The Council's initial proposal was to re-locate the library to a temporary building on the site of Heathfield Junior School in Powder Mill Lane, until such times as a permanent library building or location could be found. The Council now proposes not to continue with the development of this temporary library building which has been costed at approximately £400,000. The Council's view is that a temporary building is unaffordable given the challenging budget settlement it has received as part of the Government-led drive to cut public spending and reduce the national deficit. In making this proposal the Council has also taken into account the relatively low levels of use at Heathfield Library and the close proximity of Whitton Library to Heathfield.  

Consultation events and online survey

Two public meetings were held in Heathfield Library on 11 January 2011 (6.30pm - 8pm) and 13 January 2011 (2pm - 3.30pm) to discuss alternative provision. An online survey ran from 19 January - 23 February 2011 where residents and library users were invited to comment on proposed alternative arrangements. 

What happens next

Ward Councillors, the Lead Member for Community Development and the Council's Head of Culture were present at the public meetings, where approximately thirty people attended each session. There were 68 responses to the online survey. View the report available at the link below for details of the results and the Council's response.

What has happened as a result?

A Library Access Point will be in place at Whitton Community Centre in Percy Road from Monday 28 March 2011. The Library Access Point will be staffed and will provide books for loan for adults and children as well as local information and access to a computer and the internet. The Library Access Point will be a temporary facility until a more permanent location can be found.