Library to get temporary home in shopping centre

Whitchurch library, which has been without a home due to the discovery crumbling concrete, could reopen in a local shopping centre.

Last year, engineers found reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) in the Civic Centre complex where the library was based.

Since then, a pop-up stand has been used to provide a book pick-up and drop-off service.

Shropshire Council has now put forward a plan to open a temporary library in St Mary's Arcade.

More than 20 potential sites were considered during the search for a new base before the arcade - previously a Woolworths store - was identified, the council said.

Under the plan, a change of use application is being submitted for Unit C and it could be operational by the new year.

The council said this would offer a better solution while a permanent location was considered.

Councillor Robert Macey, cabinet member for culture, said the plans were "a positive step forwards to secure a future home" for the library.

He said the search had been unrelenting and he thanked residents for their patience.

Councillor Peggy Mullock, representing Whitchurch North, said the library had been "deeply missed by residents".

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