Have your say on major Sidmouth Library revamp

Devon County Council (DCC) is set to splash a six-figure sum on modernising the Blackmore Drive hub to make it more appealing to users.

A three-week public consultation will begin on Monday, February 11.

Councillor Roger Croad, cabinet member responsible for the project, said: “We want to make it more welcoming, brighter, more comfortable and inviting, and improve the layout and flow of the building, so it’s more accessible.

“To achieve this, we must involve the whole community in the redevelopment project, so we can really add value and get the most out of our investment by making best use of the money available.

“This consultation is the first opportunity for everyone to have their say and influence the project, so it’s really important that everyone takes part, even if you don’t use the library at the moment, we still want to hear what you think.

“I believe that by working together, we can transform the library into an excellent facility that meets changing local needs, where residents of all ages want to spend longer exploring and enjoying everything it has to offer them.”

Questionnaires available in the library and online will seek to find out which services the library currently offers are most popular and how often people visit.

People will also be asked to share their opinions on some of the ideas that have already been suggested - such as moving the children’s library to the ground floor, improving the comfortable quiet reading area, making the teenage area more welcoming and creating space for local community groups to use.

Initial plans will be on display in the library with a special board for visitors to leave comments on.

Local member Councillor Stuart Hughes said: “This is excellent news for Sidmouth.”

DCC is running a competition for children to write or draw their ideas for the new library - with the chance to win a family ticket to Pecorama.

Comments can be emailed to sidmouthlibraryproject@devon.gov.uk or on 0845 1551001.