A CONSULTATION has been launched in Bourton about the relocation of the village library to a new community hub.

As previously reported, Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) is working in partnership with Bourton Parish Council on plans to turn part of the former Moore Cottage Hospital building into the hub.

If planning permission is approved, it will house the parish council offices, police point, health suite, youth facilities, community café.

Bourton library is also planning to move into the hub later this year and people are being asked for their views on how they access their local facility.

The move would bring an improved service for customers, as Bourton’s current library building is no longer fit for purpose and is damp, dark, and not insulated.

A six-week consultation starts on Monday ( February 3) asking existing library users and residents to tell the council how they access the current library and their views on the proposals.

Councillor Dorcas Binns, cabinet member for libraries, said: “We think that relocating the library will deliver the best solution for local library users.

“It’s important that people give us their views and ideas, either by taking part in the consultation online or by going along to the library and talking to the staff.”

County Councillor Paul Hodgkinson, (Bourton / Northleach), said: “The new community hub will aim to be a vibrant and valued place for local people to meet and access services, it would also help the library to grow and flourish for the future. "

Discussions are currently taking place between GCC, Bourton Parish Council and the local Women’s Institute to get volunteer support for the library.

A paper survey is available at Bourton Library or can be completed online. Visit gloucestershire.gov.uk/bourtonlibrary for details or for a large print, easy read and versions in other languages email consultation@gloucestershire.gov.uk. The consultation runs until Sunday, March 16.