MOVING Cardigan Library is a way to protect the service. town councillors have insisted.

Currently based in Canolfan Teifi, the library is due to the Morgan Street office following a decision taken by Ceredigion County Council earlier this year.

In a meeting of Cardigan Town Council on April 5, members were told of the ongoing public opposition to the move and were read a letter urging that the library be kept at its current location.

The move to Morgan Street is part of a move to create a one-stop-shop for the council, but figures have revealed how the necessary remodelling of the building is likely to cost £50,000 with an additional £29,000 required to install a lift.

Campaigners have been fighting to stop the move, which, it is claimed, would lead to a down-sizing of the service and take the facility out of the town centre.

Residents have been further angered after an offer to remain at Canolfan Teifi rent-free for a further five years was rejected by councillors.

Cllr Catrin Miles told the meeting how the rent-free offer would still incur costs.

“Members were advised by Ceredigion County Council that annual revenue costs would total approximately £57,000," she said.

The figure was made up of business rates, service charges, building repair and maintenance plus general utilities costs.

She said: “£57,000 over five years adds up to some £285,000 - a considerable sum, even with free rent.

"There would also be internal remodelling costs of around £103,000 - and capital costs on a building that is not under the ownership of the council.”

Ceredigion County Council own the Morgan Street building leading to greatly reduced costs, safeguarding the future of the library despite a reduction in size.

However, campaigners refuse to accept the move and a petition opposing the transfer currently boasts more than one thousand signatures.