Plans to cut library size recommended for approval

Plans to cut the size of a library so it can double as a dementia resource centre have been recommended for approval.

Peterborough City Council wants to convert Bretton Library in the Cresset Centre to accommodate the facility, which needs a base as the authority is selling its current building.

Campaigners have said the library would no longer be fit for purpose if its floor space is reduced.

Shabina Qayyum, the council's Labour cabinet member for adults and health, said both the library and Dementia Resource Centre were "important community facilities".

She said: "I have personally worked hard with officers to ensure that we are using the space in the best possible way and providing the best services possible with the budget that we have available."

The Dementia Resource Centre gives advice, information and support to people and is based in the council-owned building on York Road, which the authority is selling.

The group offers time with specialist dementia advisers and activities such as singing for the brain and peer support groups.

Bretton Library is spread across three floors and is located within the Cresset Centre, which is also home to independent businesses and the Cresset Theatre.

Under the plans, the library would occupy the lower ground and upper ground floor, or about two-thirds of its current space.

The Dementia Resource Centre would take most of the ground floor with an upper ground floor office.

A petition to save Bretton Library has received more than 870 signatures and said the facility was a "vital part of the Peterborough and Bretton community".

Campaigner Paula Flood said: "The proposed reduction in library space would greatly impact the ability of the library to continue facilitating these activities."

Councillors are due to decide on the proposals at a meeting on Tuesday.

A report being presented to them said: "As the existing facility will remain, the benefits of introducing an additional community facility are considered to outweigh any harm resulting from the reduction to the library."

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