Residents of Paulton are encouraged to get involved with Bath and North East Somerset Council's exciting new Paulton Community Hub as it enters the final phase of development.
The B&NES Council-run Paulton Library is, according to the Council, expected to move into the Hill Court Shopping Centre in spring 2013, where it will house a community coffee bar and meeting spaces. By having the library located in the shopping centre, the opening hours could potentially be extended through the use of self-service and volunteer help, claims a B&NES spokesman. B&NES has been working on the project with Paulton Parish Council and local B&NES Councillors, John Bull and Liz Hardman.
Cllr David Dixon (Lib-Dem, Oldfield), Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: "The Hub is an exciting project where the local community can develop, deliver and access the services that they want. Having the library in a more central location with a coffee bar and meeting spaces is going to be a real benefit.
"The Council is keen to enable local people to actively lead the delivery of improvements in their community. We're grateful for the continued support of the ward councillors and Paulton Parish Council and we encourage people to get involved as volunteers."
An exhibition took place last year to find out what local residents wanted to see in the new building and those ideas have been incorporated in the plans.
A display of the latest plans will be on view at the current Paulton Library, in the Central Methodist Church, during opening hours on Friday, 19th October, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. and 2 p.m.–5 p.m. and Saturday, 20th October, 9.30 a.m.–12.30 p.m. On Saturday, B&NES Library Department and Parish Council representatives will also be on hand in the Primary Room at Paulton Methodist Church, during the coffee morning from 10 a.m.–noon, to discuss the project and encourage residents to consider volunteering at the library.
Cllr John Bull, Lab. Paulton, who is involved in developing the Community Hub, said: "I am very pleased that this project is going ahead. It will combine an assured home for the library with a social meeting place and a means for those lacking computers or IT skills to go online. I hope people will consider volunteering a few hours to help out."