Group Established To Save Gresford Library

A lifeline for Gresford library may have been found after residents from the area set up a group to help save their local library.

In a meeting held on January 29th, residents who attended the meeting voiced their support for the continuation of a library service in the area. As a result a group that aims to keep a library in Gresford was established.

The highly documented Council budget cuts mean that the library service in Wrexham is required to save £92,000. The cut to libraries comes as part of over £13million cuts that the Council has to find.

In an Executive Board meeting held in January, Councillors agreed to a 19% reduction in library opening hours, while libraries in Brymbo and Gresford were tipped for closure unless an alternative option was found.

The meeting was organised by local councillor Andrew Bailey, who outlined the position and answered questions along with Dylan Hughes, Chief Libraries and Leisure Officer and Councillor Hugh Jones, the Lead Member for Communities, Partnership and Collaboration.

Cllr Bailey said: “Those at the meeting asked questions as to the reasons for Gresford being selected, which include the costs per visit, restrictions on the building from a council point of view and the lack of recent investment.

“I was heartened by the support from the village for the library service in Gresford and a steering committee will now explore every avenue to try and secure its future.”

At the meeting a committee of a dozen local people was set up to look at ways of running the service and they will meet on February 11th. They will explore successful library trusts, how such an organisation can save money and potential locations including the present site.

Those who wish to join the committee or have help and advice to offer can contact [email protected] or telephone 01978 855144