Bath and North East Somerset Council have this week released details of ways local residents can have their say about a new-look Radstock Library. It has, however, come under fire from Radstock Town Council Chair, Lesley Mansell, who has criticised the authority for only consulting on the changes to the library in the new location, within the Radstock Co-operative, rather than asking if it should move at all.

The Council plans to move the library from its current location on The Street to Radco by the end of 2014, but wants local people to get involved in deciding what the new library should offer. It is expected that the old building will then be sold by B&NES.

Cllr David Dixon, Bath and North East Somerset Council's Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods (Lib-Dem, Oldfield), said: "We believe that this move is a great opportunity to improve the library service in Radstock and create a community library that appeals to all ages.

"By moving the library into a shared location with other retailers and the post office, we expect to attract new members. At Paulton, we've seen an increase in library use by colocating the library with other services at the Hub."

He added: "It is important that we find out about the sort of services and facilities that are most important to local residents, so that we can design the best possible new library. I would encourage people who use the library and indeed those who don't, to take ten minutes to answer our questionnaire. Your feedback will be used to help us decide what services will be available in the new library, as well as how the space is designed, the opening hours and more."

The library in Radco will have: • A wide range of books, spoken word books and DVDs for all ages • Computers, printers and photocopier • Newspapers and magazines • Local history books • Self-service kiosks to issue and return items and pay charges • Flat access for disabled users. Additional services will be decided on, depending on feedback from this consultation.

The consultation questionnaire asks people how they might want to use the library; do they, for example, use it as somewhere to study, do they want activities for children, courses for adults and is free wifi important?

The consultation questionnaire is available via: www. bathnes.gov.uk/consultations /radstock-library-re-location-consultation

Paper copies will also be available at Radstock and Midsomer Norton Libraries or you can call Council Connect: 01225 39 40 41 and request a copy.

The closing date for responses is Friday, 18th July.

Once all responses are received, the Council will consider them and work up more detailed plans for the new library. B&NES anticipate a net predicted saving in revenue of around £7,500 p.a.

At the meeting held on Monday this week to discuss the future of policing in the area, Town Councillor and Labour Councillor for Radstock, Eleanor Jackson, put forward the idea of Radstock Police having a presence within the supermarket.