MOST local residents will probably be looking forward to the completed redevelopment of the shops and residential buildings at the corner of Weston Lane and Wallace Road.
It had previously become a very neglected and unattractive area.
An announcement on February 14, 2014, online in Discover Southampton, stated: “The development will also include a new library and community facility, which will be more than double the size of the previous library on the parade. The library will be accessed off Weston Lane alongside three new shops. 98 car parking spaces will also be created to serve the development. The development will be complete by the summer of 2015.”
On January 7, 2015, Southampton City Council published Library News. Part of that news states: “Currently, we are proposing to continue to manage six of our busiest libraries which include the Central, Bitterne, Portswood, Shirley, Woolston and Lordshill Libraries.” And also states: “We would like to remind you that a 14-week consultation is open until March 6, 2015, to provide you with the opportunity to give us your views on our preferred option and any alternative options. The easiest way for you to do this is by completing the library service questionnaire.”
Apparently, the decision not to provide the promised replacement library at Weston is based on usage. It is not surprising that Weston Library was less used than those cited above when one considers that it was housed in a small room in the grim shopping parade that has now been demolished!
There is currently a temporary replacement for the old library housed in a pleasant but small portacabin on the site of The Leisure Centre in Weston Lane – but how many people know that?
There is no sign indicating the location of the library and, despite the fact that Slimming World is allowed to advertise its presence, apparently the library has been refused permission.
A new larger library in Weston Lane would surely be welcomed and used by local residents. The team running the current library always seem enthusiastic especially when helping local children with projects in the library.
Could I urge people to complete the council’s questionnaire and to use the temporary library.
Use it or lose it!
A CONCERNED READER, Name & address supplied.
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