Deeside communities set to lose three libraries in return for new ‘super library’ at the leisure centre

Council chiefs have revealed plans to ‘re-shape’ library services in Deeside in an effort to make savings as funding cuts start to bite.

The proposals published today, Thursday 12th March, include the closure of Queensferry, Mancot and Hawarden libraries in return for a brand new library within Deeside Leisure Centre. 

The new leisure centre library could be open to the public as early as January 2016 if the council’s plans are approved.

Closure of Queensferry library will end years of uncertainty and speculation around its future, 

The council plans also includes a shake up to the library services in the wider Flintshire area with officials hoping to involve local communities in the running of library services in Saltney, Mynydd Isa, Halkyn and Hope.

Councillor Chris Bithell Cabinet member for Education said:

‘ Whilst we have maintained our library network. in Flintshire, we must now look at different ways of delivering the service, preserving its quality and enhancing the facilities on offer. For example, providing the new proposed library facility within the Deeside Leisure Centre could open the doors to library users to the excellent range of leisure and spa facilities within the building. Leisure users will also have easy access to books, computers and study opportunities.’

A report on the proposals will be considered by the Council’s Cabinet on Tuesday 17 March.

Following a consultation period on the Deeside Leisure Centre library proposal there will be a further report to a Scrutiny Committee in April with a further report to Cabinet in May.