LIBRARY users in Leominster have raised concerns over a proposal to move their facility to an extended leisure centre in the town.

The Hereford Times has previously reported how Herefordshire Council planned to develop a business case to see whether the relocation of the library was ‘financially viable’ and useful to the community.

Last week, 25 members of the Friends of Leominster Library group met with the council's assistant director of communities, Natalia Silver, to hear the pros and cons of the scheme.

In a statement, the group said: "Ms Silver said the premises would be purpose-built with ground floor access, and staff shared with the sports facilities.

"She highlighted the close proximity to the school and children’s centre, but many fear that bus-users and the elderly would be unlikely to make the extra journey.

"The present library is seen by many as an economic benefit to the town as visitors combine library, bank and shopping trips."

The proposal to draw up a business case about the library's possible move to Leominster Leisure Centre was one of a number of developments agreed by councillors last October, when they also pledged to maintain opening hours at county libraries while investing in them to bring them up to date.

Retired librarian, Peter Holliday, added that libraries were more than self-service book borrowing centres and the knowledge and expertise of trained staff was 'irreplaceable'.

Ms Silver told the group that, as the proposal had been made, the council had to investigate and draw up a business plan but she stressed it was still at a very early stage.

She also confirmed that irrespective of the proposed move, significant savings still had to be made within the library, museums and archives services budget.

There would be further public consultation before any recommendation went to cabinet, she added.