Library relocation plan sparks access concerns

Concerns have been raised about the proposed relocation of a public library over fears the move will make the service less accessible and reduce community use.

North Yorkshire Council wants to move Richmond Library from its current home on the corner of Queens Road and Dundas Street to Mercury House.

It said moving to a "more modern, fit-for-purpose" building would secure the facility's future, saying the existing site had suffered from maintenance issues in recent years, with parts of it closed because of its condition.

However, some users say the new location in Station Road, on one of the town's steep hills, would make it harder to reach for older people and those with mobility issues.

Avril Proudlock, 75, from Melsonby, said she had used the library for many years with her children and grandchildren and believed it remained an important community resource.

She said: "I understand that they do have to move because the building is in a state of disrepair, but one sort of begs the question - why?".

She said the current site was "within easy walking distance" of housing for older residents and "close to parking and bus routes".

"I think it's probably going to mean that the library eventually will close because if people don't use it councillors are going to say, 'well, nobody's using the library.'"

Alan Gilpin, 79, who was born in Richmond and has used the library for decades, said he would use it less if it moved.

"I do struggle a bit to breathe coming up that bank - it's going to be a problem," he said.

"I would not use it as much. I'd be relying on other people to actually get me there and back."

He said he understood the council was trying to reduce costs by using one of its own buildings, but added: "It's just inaccessible for a heck of a lot of people that I know."

In a statement, North Yorkshire Council said relocating the library to Mercury House would provide "a more modern space", improve accessibility by operating entirely on the ground floor, and offer disabled parking alongside easier access to other council services.

Executive member for libraries, Simon Myers, said: "We know how valued Richmond Library is to the town, so we are taking the opportunity to secure a base that better reflects the evolving needs of our community.

"This move will ensure future stability for this valued facility in a safe, well-maintained building."

Richmond MP Rishi Sunak said he had been contacted by a number of constituents and had made representations to the council on their behalf.

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