Readers’ concern over library plans

Dec 6 2007 by Andrew Flynn, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

WE were surprised to see the news story on a new library proposed for Almondbury (Examiner Nov 30) when consultation with the residents has not yet taken place. This is scheduled for December 12.

No mention was made of the considerable opposition to the proposal which has been generated locally since the publication early in October in the Examiner of a letter from one of the library reading group members.

A petition has been signed by hundreds of people anxious about the fate of the existing building, which was given to Almondbury by the Carnegie Trust.

It is a beautiful Victorian building which is so in keeping with its surroundings in the old part of Almondbury, and is part of our heritage. No-one wants to see it converted into a hostel (which is the current rumour circulating in the village) and no-one would want it demolishing to erect something to suit that function. How do we set about getting it listed?

Please do not misunderstand us, we are all in favour of a new Children’s Centre and Information Point for the village, and the site proposed for this seems to fit that purpose, but we do not want to lose our current building and feel that this should remain for the benefit of the regular users who appreciate its services.

It has always been “Our Library” and should remain with us long after current councillors have moved on.

Almondbury Library Reading Group