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There is no summary of this meeting yet. Summaries are written once the council publishes the minutes, which are its official record of what a meeting decided. They usually appear a few weeks after the meeting.
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Cathy Augustine and Gail Jones.
Councillor Mandy Hawkins declared a personal interest in Agenda item 4 To receive a petition on behalf of residents calling on Conwy County Borough Council to reverse the decision to relocate library services from Llandudno Town Centre as the petition was within her ward. As the interest was not considered prejudicial, Councillor Hawkins was able to take part in the discussion and vote.
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Councillor Harry Saville presented a petition on behalf of residents and requested that the decision to relocate library services from Llandudno Town Centre to Venue Cymru be reversed. In presenting the petition, Councillor Saville highlighted the following: • It was noted that the reported £126,000 operating cost related to both the library and Tourist Information Centre, with the library costing £98,000 per annum. • Concerns were raised regarding the future use of the building, with no plans currently identified. It was noted that an empty building could result in an estimated £326,000 annual economic loss to the town centre. • Concerns were raised about accessibility, as the Equality Impact Assessment identified potential difficulties for older residents accessing the new location. It was also noted that the Council-supported bus service did not serve Venue Cymru. The Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Governance Services thanked Councillor Saville for submitting the petition and provided assurance that he would be willing to discuss matters such as bus routes with other Cabinet Members. The Cabinet Member acknowledged concerns about the proposed relocation of Llandudno Library and reiterated the Council's commitment to delivering a sustainable and accessible library service. It was reported that the relocation to Venue Cymru had been approved through the Council's democratic process and formed part of wider plans to support the long-term sustainability of both the library service and Venue Cymru. The Cabinet Member advised that the proposal would deliver financial savings, improve accessibility through a modern ground-floor facility, extend access to library services, and create a wider cultural and community hub. Whilst recognising the historic significance of the existing library building and concerns about the move from Mostyn Street, the Cabinet Member stated that the approved relocation should continue to be progressed to secure the future of the service. Councillor Saville raised concerns about discrepancies in the reported operating costs of the library and Tourist Information Centre. Discussion ensued as follows: • Members were advised that the miscoding of income (relating to energy costs) which had been identified following the 2 July 2025 Economy and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee, had been corrected in the information on which Cabinet based its decision on 8 July 2025, and that savings from the library and tourist information centre relocation remained in excess of £100,000, with no library staffing reductions proposed. • It was noted that the proposed library would be located on the ground floor and was intended to provide improved accessibility, with specialist accessibility input informing the design. • The Chief Financial Officer advised that the financial position was clear, remained accurate and consistent with the financial information considered by Cabinet in their original decision and that there were no discrepancies in the figures presented elsewhere. • The project was progressing through the standard Growth Deal approval process, with the Full Business Case and planning application having been submitted. • Members were informed that there were no outstanding matters preventing the project from proceeding, other than securing planning approval. • Whilst some Members opposed the relocation, others expressed support, noting that it would provide a more modern, accessible and sustainable library service. • It was noted that the proposed facility would offer improved accessibility and parking provision compared with the existing library. • It was confirmed that the proposed location would remain accessible by public transport and that financial savings were necessary to support the long-term future of the service. • Members emphasised the importance of ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of the Venue Cymru and highlighted the need for the Council to achieve savings where possible. • It was suggested that discussions take place to explore whether bus services to Venue Cymru could be reviewed. • Members expressed concerns about public opposition to the proposed relocation and requested that consultation information and feedback be made available to the Committee for consideration. • Members were advised that major events held at Venue Cymru would not affect the operation of the proposed library. • A proposal was moved and seconded requesting that Cabinet provide a further report to the Committee clarifying the financial information relating to the library relocation. Upon being put to the vote, the proposal was not supported and was therefore rejected. RECOMMENDATION: (a) The Committee made no recommendations to Cabinet in respect of the matters raised within the petition. (b) The Monitoring Officer confirmed that, in accordance with the Council’s Petition Protocol, a written response be sent to the lead petitioner, Councillor Harry Saville, within 15 working days of the meeting.
Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.
Declarations are read from the minutes once they are published.
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