ONE OF the first actions taken by the Group has been to apply to Wealden Council to have the pub listed as an Asset of Community Value. If successful, future owners will be required to give the community six months notice of any planned disposal to give them the opportunity to acquire the site. Our library was a social hub that supported families and reduced the isolation of many elderly people in the Bay. We want it back bigger and better than before. Modern libraries are not just about books, they are about community. Friends of Pevensey Bay Library, 30 November 2015
There is new hope for a library in Pevensey Bay. A Friends group has been formed to campaign for better library provision. This follows on from a petition organised by the WI earlier in the year expressing concern about the closure of the existing library.
Pevensey Bay library, which has now been closed for eleven months, is locked in a legal wrangle over who is responsible for the flood damage. However, the existing library has a steep flight of steps which makes access for older people, people with disabilities and mums with wheelchairs difficult. Relocating the library to an alternative more accessible site would benefit the community and could provide an opportunity to improve other services in the Bay.
The Friends Group wants to talk to the County Council to explore options for better library provision in the Bay. They feel that an alternative site in Pevensey Bay that is accessible to all residents is needed, whether they are elderly, disabled or families with children in pushchairs.
Now that Pevensey Bay Library has closed, over forty thousand people are depending on the small library at Langney Centre and the temporary book exchange set up in a local church hallway in Pevensey Bay. This contrasts sharply with provision in other areas of East Sussex such as Seaford, Polegate, and Lewes.
Mindful of the massive cuts planned in county council services, the Group intends to look at every opportunity to raise funds for better library provision including the lottery, legacies, private donations and social media. ‘Modern libraries are not just about books,’ said Margaret Martin one of the Group’s organisers, ‘They are about community. They provide opportunities to do homework, improve computer skills, to find out about family and local history, to chat about books, films and events.
“Our library was a social hub that supported families and reduced the isolation of many elderly people in the Bay. It was run by friendly informed staff, and we want it back bigger and better than before.
“Expecting more than 40,000 people to rely on a library housed in a small shop unit in Langney Centre isn’t reasonable, particularly given the new housing in the pipeline at Stone Cross.”.
Both Seaford and Lewes have Friends of Groups that have successfully campaigned for a new library – they put pressure on ESCC to keep funding, allocate a site, and develop services. They also raised significant amounts of funds. Friends of Pevensey Bay Library Group will be seeking a meeting with them to learn from their experience.
The Beach Tavern is up for auction on 15 December. One of the first actions taken by the Group has been to apply to Wealden Council to have the pub listed as an Asset of Community Value. If successful, future owners will be required to give the community six months notice of any planned disposal to give them the opportunity to acquire the site.
The application by the Group flags up that there is an unmet need for community provision in the Bay and this will need to be taken into account when any planning application for a change in its use is submitted to the council. The auction details currently refer to a future use as a supermarket or private residential development.
A letter has been sent by email to all local councillors seeking their support. A request has also been made to the Chief Executive of ESCC for the council’s officers to explore the possibility of a long lease with the owner of the Beach Tavern before it goes to auction. We have also asked ESCC that they work with us constructively on fundraising, an area in which they have considerable skill.
A Facebook page has been set up by the Group to keep our supporters advised of future events, and another meeting is intended in a few weeks time to plan a fund- raising strategy. If you are interested in helping the Friends Group they can be contacted on Facebook, or through their email address .
Friends of Pevensey Bay Library (FPBL)
media release, 30 November 2015
About Friends of Pevensey Bay Library
The Friends of Pevensey Bay Library aim to campaign for and support provision of improved public library services in Pevensey Bay.
FACEBOOK: Friends of Pevensey Bay Library
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