LIBRARY services could be “severely reduced” and an historic building left empty under cost-saving plans, it has been claimed.

A consultation over Conwy County Borough Council’s draft Library and Information Strategy 2021-2026 launched this week is inviting people to have their say on changes to libraries.

Changes include increasing the use of technology, new services for remote communities and varied library hours, but it is the relocation of Colwyn Bay Library to Coed Pella that has caused uproar.

Cllr Malcolm Worth, of Rhiw ward, said: “A lot of people are worried that an historic building will remain empty and go to rack and ruin.

“If the library is moved to where has been suggested, it does not have enough space for the same facilities as the current building. People really value the building and the facilities it has, and to lose any of them, especially after the pandemic, would be an enormous loss.”

It has been claimed the council cannot afford £175,000 maintenance costs to the building.

An iPetition titled ‘Conwy Council Please Do Not Close Or Move Colwyn Bay Library’, signed by 1,700 people, says: “The community is outraged and wants the library to stay where it is and become a hub with a café.

“The library is a warm, friendly well-run, and much-loved service, to move it to Coed Pella would destroy everything that is wonderful about the library.

“Also, parking is a major problem at Coed Pella and existing staff have already been told to park on residential streets due to lack of parking, so adding more services to it is madness.

“Save our library, we pay for it, and we want it left where it is.”

Neil Bastow, town councillor for Rhiw ward, said he has been frustrated that town councillors have not yet been involved in the process.

“I don’t see how the library can function to the same extent and professionalism in the council offices,” he said. “There would be severely reduced services, and fewer facilities outside lending such as the use of rooms and research facilities.”

Colwyn Bay Library, formerly the Coronation Free Library, opened in 1905 to commemorate the coronation of King Edward VII and was paid for by public subscription.

Clwyd West MP David Jones said: “The library is a much-loved historical and architectural feature of Colwyn Bay and an important community resource. A number of constituents have expressed concern to me over the proposal.

“I therefore urge everyone who has a view to contribute to the consultation by visiting the council’s website.”

Darren Millar, Clwyd West MS who holds surgeries at the library, said he has “received numerous emails from constituents who are not happy”.

“Colwyn Bay Library is an important and well used asset in the town with parking immediately outside and good disabled access,” he said.

A Conwy County Borough Council spokesperson said: “The consultation will run until July 18 and we would urge as many people as possible to take the opportunity to share their views. The results of the consultation will be collated and a report will be presented to councillors for consideration.”

Take part at in the consultation via the Conwy County Borough Council website.