RESIDENTS in Calne are still worried about planned changes to the town’s library.

The library, in The Strand, is to undergo refurbishment this year which will see a swipe card system and CCTV installed, meaning the library can be open without having staff on duty.

But concerns have been raised over the lack of information available to people in the library itself.

Oliver Boaler, 25, co-founder of the Calne branch of the Labour Party, said: “We have received no response from the letter we sent Wiltshire Council on the plans. Wiltshire Council are yet to display any information in the library and have not responded to our call for a public meeting so the people of Calne can ask questions and raise their concerns.”

As well as the lack of information on offer to the public in Calne, worries for safety have arisen for would-be visitors of the library.

“There are two areas that we want to have covered by the council. First of all, the CCTV system that is going to be put in place is also enforced in Peterborough, after some investigating we found out that the CCTV is only monitored if an incident occurs at the library. This means that if someone were to fall there is a chance of it not being picked up and that is very concerning,” added Mr Boaler.

Worries over the new library system also reach to the age ranges of the people that attend the library, with the proposal of under 16s having to be accompanied by an adult.

“Our second issue is discrimination. We have spoken to a lot of people who use the library, and a number of elderly people cannot access the books or get books off of the shelves, they may be able to get in to the library but will not be able to access the services. Also, under-16s will not be able to use the library without adult supervision – these services should benefit everyone and not exclude people,” said Mr Boaler.

The Mayor of Calne has been quick to allay worries, saying that it will benefit residents to have the library open for longer.

Coun Howard Marshall said: “It is all part of the campus project, if people would like to know what is happening with the library and the Hub then they are more than welcome to the area board meetings. Contrary to what is being said the library and the hub are both open for four days at the moment, after the renovation they will both be in the same building with more space, meaning an increase in both services.”

A spokesman from Wiltshire Council said: “We are carrying out work to improve the library in Calne to create the Calne Community Hub and Library. The current Community Hub has outgrown its premises on Calne High Street - this project will enable local volunteers to continue and extend their work in closer partnership with the library and other partners.This work will preserve and protect the library, deliver more flexible community space, and improve the out of hours offer for local residents. The work at the library is due to start in April and will take around 10 weeks to complete. Local people will be kept informed every step of the way.”

An update on the community hub and library will be provided at the Calne Area Board, which takes place at 6.30pm on Tuesday, April 5, in the Corn Exchange, Bank House, The Strand.