GLARING inequalities resulting in unfair funding for libraries in small towns like Bishops Castle have been highlighted as a result of the library consultation being undertaken by Shropshire Council, which could close the town’s library.

The Council says it intends to support libraries in the largest towns of the county and close those in the smaller market towns.

Bishops Castle Library is situated within Enterprise House and company manager Mike Ashwell said: “ The value of libraries is too well known to need repetition. The range of services and activities provided has multiplied in recent years, far beyond the borrowing of books.

“There is no way in which, once a library has closed, these services can be provided. The six largest towns in Shropshire clearly have enough resources to run their own libraries, but the axe is to fall on small towns, some very small indeed.”

Bishops Castle Library is managed by Enterprise South West Shropshire, on behalf of Shropshire Council and Mr Ashwell is concerned that more of the cost of keeping the library open will fall too heavily on the local community, with Bishops Castle Town Council being expected to make a sizeable contribution.

He said: “Many small councils in the county have gamely increased their precept, or local tax to try and keep things going, but they are at breaking point. Bishops Castle Town Council’s precept is about £215 and in Church Stretton it is £185. These compare with a local precept of only £50 in Shrewsbury and £76 in Oswestry.

“Bishops Castle has barely 1,000 taxable properties, while Shrewsbury’s population exceeds 70,000. An extra £4 a year in the largest towns would easily finance the services which Shropshire Council is off-loading and they would be in a position to support the smallest of most vulnerable communities.”

Lezley Picton, Shropshire Council Cabinet member for culture, leisure, communications and waste, said: “Shropshire Council are working with stakeholders to ensure the long-term sustainability of Enterprise Southwest Shropshire. 

“As well as the library strategy currently in development, economic growth teams and communities and infrastructure teams are steering the direction of services over the coming years to ensure that we are delivering the facilities that people want.  It will enable services to remain at the heart of the communities they serve, whilst continuing to develop new initiatives so that delivery stays relevant in changing times.

“Shropshire Council is absolutely not looking to close the library or community hubs in Bishops Castle. We will continue to work closely with local stakeholders as appropriate, so community services remain sustainable in the longer term.

“The intention is to further develop agreements in place with Enterprise South West Shropshire to ensure the facility remains a focal point for the local residents and the business community as a whole.

"The extension of the existing arrangements is a priority for all the services involved to ensure a brighter future for services in Bishops Castle.”