Community Trust formed to save local library
VOLUNTEERS are hoping a new community trust will seamlessly begin running Minchinhampton Library when the county finally axes it this autumn.
Residents and representatives of Minchinhampton Parish Council are part of a steering group that's working towards the formation of a charitable company limited by guarantee.
That would keep the library in School Road going after Gloucestershire County Council withdraws its support on October 31.
It was in the spring last year the county authority approved £120 million worth of cuts to its budget that included closing 10 libraries if communities didn't take them on.
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The public outcry about the move included the launch of the Friends of Minchinhampton Library campaign.
It raised a 1,750 name petition protesting about the Minchinhampton closure.
But now, following various public meetings in Minchinhampton, spokesman Chris Stone said the Minchinhampton Community Library Trust Ltd is being formed.
The intention was to manage, operate and also maintain the village library on a voluntary basis, Mr Stone said.
The trust will have charitable status to help its fund raising.
Mr Stone said: "There are monies available both from Minchinhampton Parish Council and via Gloucestershire County Council who have offered something per annum to maintain some form of service."
Minchinhampton parish councillor Steve Draper had previously told the annual parish assembly that initial costings had indicated £20,000 a year was needed to provide 13 hours opening of the library each week.
"The hope is there won't be a full closure," Mr Stone said.
"Our target is a relatively seamless handover and continuation of the library service in some shape or form by the end of September."
Volunteers who have already offered to help with the day to day running of the library will be encouraged to undergo training over the next few months, while the library was still operating.
"Given the amount of volunteer names we have and the other interested parties around Minchinhampton, I think there is sufficient momentum and interest to maintain an independent facility within Minchinhampton," Mr Stone said.
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