The new Portishead Library will be nearly a third bigger than previously planned, if a report to North Somerset’s Executive committee is accepted today (29th March).

Portishead has been waiting for a new library for over 10 years. It was originally expected to have a floor space of 600 sq metres, but library standards and Portishead’s population have changed considerably since then. Now the library should have another 175 sq metres, much of this for “Council connect” services now being introduced into all North Somerset libraries. Information on other Council and public services will be available from leaflets, the internet and by phone with help from library staff. Residents will also be able to make appointments to see some Council officers without needing to travel to Weston-super-Mare.

The extra space comes by reducing the number of flats in the building by 3 to 29. This in itself will please some residents who were unhappy with the higher number of flats leading to possible on-street parking problems.

The larger library will also have more space for book display, meeting rooms and children’s activities, in line with the Council’s 2006 library improvement plan.

“This is all good news for Portishead residents” said Cllr Deborah Yamanaka, North Somerset’s Lib Dem Executive member with responsibility for Libraries. “The new library which should be ready in 2009 will be the largest in North Somerset outside Weston-super-Mare, as befits the town which will be the second largest in North Somerset. We must remember that the recent delays have been caused by improvements to the building in response to residents’ concerns. The overall building is lower, narrower, further away from other buildings, has fewer flats and more parking spaces than the developer’s first planning application. Over 10 years is a long time to wait, but at least the end is in site.”

[ends]

published by: North Somerset Liberal Democrats, 12 Henley Lodge, Yatton, Bristol, BS49 4JQ

printed / hosted by horus web engineering ltd