Hove Library saved

4.31.59pm GMT Wed 24th Mar 2004

Cllr Paul Elgood

The future of the Hove Library building looks secure following a critical intervention by Liberal Democrat Councillors. Plans to move the Library have now been shelved following backing by the Lib Dems to a package of measures which will see the Library retained in its present building and improvements to disabled access made. Last year saw a huge outcry over plans to move the Library to Hove Town Hall, with many residents demanding that the present building is maintained.

Lib Dem Group Leader, Cllr Paul Elgood welcomed the news, he said: 'We stood firm against any kind of move believing that the views of residents should not be ignored. We are pleased that agreement has been reached for the Library to remain in its present building and disabled access improvements made.

'The strength of feeling over any move of Hove Library is crystal clear. A vast majority of residents want the present building maintained and do not want to see a move to Hove Town Hall. I have had many hundreds of letters, emails and phonecalls pleading for the Library to remain where it is. These cannot be ignored.

'With this in mind we have worked to bring forward firm plans to enable both the retention of the present building and also so that improvements to disabled access can be made. The inaccessibility of the present building cannot be ignored.

'We also want a quick resolution to this issue. Residents have already waited too long for an outcome on this. By acting in this way we also will see the important improvements to disabled access made more quickly.

'I really do believe that common sense has finally prevailed.'