Dear Sir
It was interesting to read the article about the Beach Tavern and the letter by Diana Terry.
Personally, my main interest is that this may be an opportunity to get a new library site for Pevensey Bay that is accessible for all.
I have recently visited the new Seaford library, which benefited from a large lottery grant, and was completely amazed at what a wonderful community facility has been provided in that town as a consequence of the community and councils working together.
The facility itself is contemporary and attractive taking into account the needs of different age groups.
As a consequence, library membership has soared since it opened which just goes to show what can happened when investment is made in library services.
It’s not just about books although that side of things is excellent – it’s about community.
The layout provides a proper space for browsing books, dvds and papers; there are quiet spaces with pcs for homework; there is space for mums and children; the staff are really helpful; and there is a coffee shop for social chit chat.
Even if you had no money to spend this is a great place to be, right in the centre of town. Isn’t this what town centres should be about rather than just commercial hubs that fail as soon as retail patterns change?
If people in the Bay want a great facility to support the community here, we may never get something on the scale of Seaford library, but surely we can expect the same kind of vision from the powers that be now that our library’s future is so threatened.
Local authority spending may be hugely constrained but they still have architectural, planning and estate expertise in addition to their librarians, which surely could be directed towards a partnership scheme in Pevensey Bay.
I agree with Diana Terry the condition of the Beach Tavern is not great but that could be partly resolved in negotiations over the price.
The floorspace on the ground floor is surprisingly larger than the appearance suggests and there is a car park.
An opportunity may have actually come up to solve the issue of ground floor access: this is a really significant issue given the age profile of Pevensey Bay and the needs of Mum’s with pushchairs.
Are the local authorities adroit enough to take a new direction and respond to a new opportunity?
Can they wrap up negotiations on the old site and start afresh?
If there is not currently a Friends of Pevensey Bay Library Group perhaps this is the time to set one up along the lines of the Friends of Seaford Library and the Lewes group.
Kind regards
Margaret Martin
