Purpose

To advise the Cabinet Member of
construction work underway at the Somerlea Park Junior School site
in Somercotes, that is having a negative impact on the operation of
Somercotes Library which is located on the school campus and to
seek permission to temporarily close Somercotes Library for a
period of six months.
 

Decision

That the Cabinet Member note the construction work underway
at the Somerlea Park Junior School site in Somercotes, that is
having a negative impact on the operation of Somercotes Library
which is located on the school campus. As well as approve the
request to temporarily close Somercotes Library for a period of six
months, to 6 April 2026, and note the redeployment of library staff
to Pinxton Library and South Normanton Library, which will provide
additional services for the duration of the
closure. 

Reasons for the decision

The temporary closure of Somercotes Library and relocation of
staff to neighbouring libraries, with extended opening hours at
Pinxton Library, will reduce the discomfort and inconvenience being
experienced by Somercotes Library users, and will make best use of
the Council’s resources, noting the impacts on users that
have been experienced due to the construction
works. 

Alternative options considered

Option 1: Do nothing – This is not considered an
appropriate course of action as the level of noise and disturbance
on site for both staff and customers is not acceptable.

 

Option 2: Temporarily close the building but appoint staff
hours elsewhere – Pinxton and South Normington are the
libraries closest to Somercotes and library staff also live in the
vicinity. Other options are some distance away which would not be
in the service users’ best interests. It is most likely that
current users of Somercotes will be able travel to Pinxton or South
Normington and therefore the impact on service access is
minimal.