Controversial changes to Kidderminster Library

Controversial changes to Kidderminster Library will cost around £300,000, it emerged today.

The second floor gallery is currently used for concerts, art exhibitions and coffee mornings.

But Worcestershire County Council wants to turn it intooffices to cater for almost 140 social care workers. Under the plans the

Steinway grand piano would be moved fromthe gallery to the first floor where a new performance area would be creatednear the computer section.

The council says the work is expected to cost around £300,000 but they were optimistic is would below budget.

They said around £206,000 a year would be saved in rent by moving the staff from Elgar House.

But the plans have attracted criticism from music groups, including Kidderminster Classical Music Soceity, who fear the new performancearea will not be suitable for concerts.

Art groups have also spoken in support of retaining the gallery. At a public meeting last week campaigners agreed to form a Friends group and have also launched a petition.

The council has defended its plans saying it will save moneyon operating costs as it looks to trim is budgets.

Worcestershire County Council spokesman Charlotte Broome said: "The works to Kidderminster Library is expected to cost around£300,000 however, due to the current competitive tendering market we hope the building works may come in at a lower figure.

We will achieve annual revenue savings of at least £ 206,000 through coming out of the Elgar House lease, so in less than two years we will recoup this initial cost.

Also transferring staff to the Library will help town centre businesses".

Ward councillor Howard Martin, who has objected to the plans, said he did not believe the cost of the work justified the loss of the gallery.

He has urged people to sign the petition and to submit aformal objection to the plans.

"We want to change the county council's mind so they keep this gallery open," he added