To consider the response to the proposals submitted by Hereford Library Users Group regarding the future operation of Hereford library and museum.

THAT

(a)          works to enable  reinstatement of Hereford library and museum building, and relocation of the Wellbeing Information and Signposting Service (WISH) to the Broad Street site, Hereford be undertaken to a maximum cost of £500k;

(b)         following completion of the works at recommendation a) above the balance of the capital allocation be used as match funding for a development scheme, led by HLUG or other partner, subject to the development scheme being approved by the relevant cabinet member within a two year period; and

(c)         a further report be prepared on the options for shorter term re-opening of the museum and art gallery at the Broad Street site, pending a decision on longer term options for sustainable delivery of the museum and archive service.

The recommendations enable services to be resumed at the earliest opportunity, mitigating the effect on users if the building was closed for a long period.  This is balanced with giving the HLUG or another party time to secure funding for a development scheme.  If funds are not forthcoming for any development scheme within 2 years then the opportunities for the site and the services are reviewed to consider options in light of value for money.

The reopening of the building is delayed until funds are raised for the development scheme whilst retaining the temporary provision at Hereford Town Hall and extra hours at Belmont Library.  This is not recommended as HLUG advise that the fundraising and new building works could take in the region of four to five years and this will have an impact on users of the services.  This would also be viewed as a reduction in service and challenged the authority’s statutory duty to provide “comprehensive and efficient library service” therefore trigger a judicial review instigated by the community who are concerned with any further reduction in service.

The services are withdrawn to meet the authority’s required budget savings.  The level of capital spend would also be reduced, though elements of the work would be required to make good the building for alternative use.  This is not recommended as it would adversely affect the council’s ability to meet the statutory duty to provide a comprehensive library service in the county.

There is no delay in conducting the major works along with reinstatement works.  This is not recommended as it would reduce the opportunity to fundraise for a development scheme.

The council seeks alternative site(s) to house the services.  This is not recommended at this stage, as HLUG have confirmed their preference is to maximise the current Broad Street site with no obvious other alternative presented during the research or consultation.  However, to be revised as part of the longer term consideration for the services.

The council lead and fund the development scheme presented by HLUG.  This is not recommended, as there are insufficient funds and resource to conduct a scheme to that scale without wider community in-put.

That the museum and art gallery is not reopened based on the recommendation Review of Museums and Archives Services.  This is not recommended, but to work with interested parties to resource the museum and art gallery.