Call for thousands to be spent extending library

A Staffordshire MP wants to see "tens of thousands of pounds" spent on extending a community library.

Local politicians are keen to see Great Wyrley Library at Quinton Court Shopping Centre expanded into an empty adjacent unit.

South Staffordshire MP Gavin Williamson and county councillors Kath Perry and Mike Lawrence have called for major improvements to be made at the library, in Wardles Lane. Mr Williamson believes a cash injection would be a great boost for the library and wider community.

Mr Williamson said any investment "would be an investment for the future".

He added: "The library is valued by so many in the area, and it acts as a real hub for the local community.

"Staffordshire County Council has been doing so much positive work with libraries in the area recently, and it would be great if we could continue this in Great Wyrley.

"I am sure that it would be an enormous boost to the community of Great Wyrley," he added.

"It would encourage people not just to use the library but to use the local shops.

"It would be an investment for the future and go on to be used by countless generations, and it really would be a big boost for the area.

"It could be used as a community café, and I know Great Wyrley Local History Society currently don't have anywhere to store their history records.

"Being realistic, it would cost tens of thousands of pounds – £10,000 to £30,000 – but it would be money well invested for the future."

County councillor Kath Perry said: "We have spoken about the library many times and the need for it to be extended.

"This is an ideal opportunity for us to try to move this project forward.

"I know that this would be of great benefit to the community of Great Wyrley who are desperate for a site for a community café," she added.

County councillor Mike Lawrence said: "We need to see an expansion of services.

"It is our ambition to see the library grow."