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BELMONT RURAL LETTERS
A good service but only because An excellent example of a shared counter service is indeed Belmont's library which provides books education and information in a variety of forms, including free use of computers, Baby Bounce every Saturday, etc. However some people might be unaware that the library housed in the Belmont Community Centre is rented from the charity South Wye Community Association: the building does not belong to the council. From this rent SWCA has the sole responsibility of maintaining the library’s fabric, paying for heating and lighting, supporting ancillary facilities (toilets, kitchen, etc) and also keeping it clean. Herefordshire Library Service currently pays rent under the terms of a lease which expired 14 months ago - delayed in part due to the library’s refurbishment, but also to other factors which would be impolitic of me to describe here. (Only yesterday notice was given that the new lease is ready for signature). The point I wish to make is that this particular example of a shared counter service might not have been available soon if Belmont Library had featured in the council’s current cost cutting exercises, or months ago, if during the protracted lease negotiations, SWCA had had insufficient money to pay its bills.Thankfully, the promised lease suggests this particular shared counter service will be available for the next four years at least!
Andy
Myatt
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