Savings 2016-17 Closure of Whitehill library
| Title | Savings 2016-17 Closure of Whitehill library |
|---|---|
| Council Resource | Community and Enterprise |
| Service Area | Community and Enterprise |
| Aims and Objectives | The closure of Whitehill library is recommended due to low levels of use over a long period of time and the availability of alternative facilities nearby. Hamilton Town House library is 1.6 miles away and is open 6 days per week. Burnbank library is 0.5 miles away. In comparison with Burnbank library the number of books borrowed per month at Whitehill library is half that of Burnbank and Whitehill has 40% less members. Public transport is provided from Whitehill to Hamilton town centre and Burnbank by First Bus 227 service. In addition, Burnbank library can be reached on foot in 10 minutes .Burnbank library provides a range of accommodation which is managed by the Libraries service. There is lift access to the upper level and Equality Act compliant ramped access. The upper floor has a meeting room which can be used as an ICT training room or as a general purpose meeting or activity space. An additional benefit is the independent access so that opening hours can be adjusted in line with business needs. |
| Conclusion | The closure of Whitehill library recommended due to the existing library facility having low levels of usage and the close proximity of two alternative facilities. Hamilton Town House and Burnbank libraries offer the opportunity to provide full library services to current Whitehill library users. There is also an existing pattern of cross-library usage which is considered to make this closure viable. The currently identifiable impact is on older adults and disabled users. The effect on these groups will be mitigated by the opportunity to access the home delivery service and free public transport (National Entitlement Card). In addition, Burnbank library provides a range of accommodation which is managed by the Libraries service. There is lift access to the upper level and Equality Act compliant ramped access. The upper floor has a meeting room which can be used as an ICT training room or as a general purpose meeting or activity space. An additional benefit is the independent access so that opening hours can be adjusted in line with business needs. These factors offer the potential to provide a more varied programme of activities to users. |
| Completion date | 2014 - 2018 |
| Contact Email address | equalities@southlanarkshire.gov.uk |
| Area | Hamilton |