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.
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