Opposition Emerges Over Proposed Reduction of Bretton Library Space

A local campaigner has voiced strong criticism regarding proposals to diminish the size of her community library. Paula Flood asserted that Peterborough City Council’s intentions would render Bretton Library unfit for its intended purpose. She has amassed approximately 350 signatures for her ‘Save Bretton Library’ petition. The council stated that the library would still retain access to half of its current area. The authority aims to repurpose the three-floor facility situated within The Cresset. This space is designated to accommodate a team from a dementia resource centre, which is relocating from a former council building on York Road that was sold to help balance the authority’s budget. Peterborough City Council has committed to investing £300,000 in the refurbishment, which is projected to be finalized by next spring. Under these plans, the library will be restricted to the ground floor. Ms Flood, who is a frequent patron and volunteer at the library, conveyed that it plays a significant role in her life and that the plans have caused her considerable worry. She contends that the library “will not serve the purpose” anymore and will present accessibility challenges for wheelchair users. “We are not against the new centre. It is the council we are upset with,” she commented. “If they sell all their assets they will have nothing left. It’s short-sighted.” She highlighted that users were “not being informed” about the ongoing changes. Ms Flood mentioned that Bretton Library serves individuals from across the city and beyond, including residents from Eye, whose own library had previously closed. “We need to be promoting reading and offering free spaces like the library,” she further stated. Dr Shabina Asad Qayyum, the Labour cabinet member for adult social care at the council, indicated that the plans were “still work in progress” but confirmed that a library would operate from the building. “We understand the anxiety and want to reassure them that they will have access to 50% of space it currently has,” she stated. “There are various stakeholders involved and it’s difficult to say at this stage what the final position for the library will be.” She elaborated that the council has a responsibility to support the frail and vulnerable, and that The Cresset offers an accessible location with good transport links for the dementia centre. “We urge anyone with concerns to speak to council officers,” she concluded. “We need to have conversations to reassure people that facilities are not being taken away from the community.”