A COUNTY council committee wants more information about the benefits of relocating Redditch Library amid the publication of consultation responses.

Worcestershire County Council’s Corporate and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel have discussed updated proposals for relocating the town’s library, including feedback from a public consultation.

The panel, a pre-scrutiny committee, has proposed three formal recommendations to the cabinet member for communities, Marcus Hart – to make sure a floorplan and plans for a children’s library and multifunctional space are available for scrutiny.

During the meeting held on June 8, chair of the committee, Emma Stokes, asked: “What is the benefit?

“We know there is no benefit in staying still but there may be a benefit here.

“What is the benefit for residents and what is the benefit to the taxpayers of Worcestershire County Council?”

The council meeting follows the publication of responses from a public consultation about the library relocation which was carried out between November 7, 2022, and February 24.

A total of 1467 people responded to the survey representing 2.2 per cent of the Redditch population over 19.

Respondents were asked to what extent they agreed or disagreed with the new location for the library being in the Town Hall and 72.3 per cent of people said they disagree to some extent.

The three most common themes in relation to the town hall location were that it wasn’t as good, there was concern there will be a reduction in facilities, and there was concern there will be a reduction in the size of the library.

During the council meeting, Cllr Hart said: “We have no predetermined view, and we are very much in listening mode.

“We have total due regard for the consultation responses, and we will take them into account.”

Cllr Richard Udall asked Cllr Hart if the 72 per cent survey refusal figure has influenced his opinion.

Cllr Hart replied: “There’s a clear majority on the face of it that are against the proposals, a small percentage overall of Redditch and arguably in terms of library users, nevertheless it’s a clear consultation process.

“We as part of our final decision making will have absolute due regard for all those who have responded, and what this panel says today.

“We will follow properly the legal process for the consultation duties and think very carefully as a cabinet when we have the final information.”

Hannah Perott, assistant director for communities said the county council is in discussions with Redditch Borough Council about revised floorplans as they want to make sure as much space as possible will be used by the public.

“We are waiting for more detail about specific space to keep archives in Redditch,” added Ms Perott.

“We have been as transparent as we can be, and we have publicised from a consultation point of view as much as we can.

“The next stage would be to look at in the led up to cabinet is publicising again.”

The relocation proposals are set to be discussed by the Cabinet on July 20.