Community Library Action Group

Monday, August 07, 2006

The Twyford Advertiser tells it like it is!

My recent depression was greatly lifted on Thursday morning (August 3rd) as I leant on the ice-cream freezer in the paper shop and read Victoria's article in the Twyford Advertiser. I did buy the paper I hasten to add, it's just that having started reading I found I couldn't put it down.


Although the news was still not the good news we would all like to hear, it was great to read the case put so well by someone who understands what this would mean to the village and the community as a whole. Victoria has obviously done her homework; following Anne's question at the public meeting, Victoria has discovered that the extra 194 homes in Twyford have generated an additional £1,197,300.82 in council tax. I find myself asking yet again, can the district council really not find the balance of £210,000 needed to secure the site of J W Green's as a community library for the northern parishes?

I am sure many other people will have read this article, particularly the council leader's rich language in his comments on page 3 (something I have also experienced first hand). Please add your comments by clicking on the word comment below. I have been told you need to click 'other' when prompted - I hope this makes it easier to do!

2 Comments:

  • I was incensed by Councillor Browne's attitude to the people of Twyford in this week's Advertiser report. The high street is not thriving, and would benefit greatly from a centrally located library. It would be an asset on so many community levels.
    As for paying for it ourselves, I thought libraries were a mandatory educational provision. However, as an interim measure, would it be possible to raise the money from a consortium of local benefactors and retail/commerce, to urgently purchase the building. Some previous planning gain money must still be available, as we have not seen much of it in Twyford.
    The Green's building could then be short-term let, until future agreement can be achieved with our sluggish District Council to then rent or buy it from the consortium for the much needed library?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 6:58 pm, August 07, 2006  

  • Thank you for adding your comment, you raise an interesting point regarding the planning gain (section 106) money. I understand that developers have contributed over £100,000 towards a library and the arts in Twyford over recent years. It seems however that only £40,000 remains. Where the rest was spent is a mystery to me! Can anyone shed some light on this?

    By Blogger Kathy Peck, at 7:27 pm, August 07, 2006  

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