Appendix 1: for Consultation Library Service...

Somerset Library Service Consultation 2018 Appendix 1: Library Service Proposals

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Somerset Library Service Consultation 2018

Appendix 1:

Library Service Proposals for Consultation


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Contents:Page

1. Introduction 3

2. Area Proposals

Area 1: Western Somerset 4(incl. Dulverton, Minehead, Watchet, Williton and Porlock)

Area 2: Taunton, Wellington & surrounding area 8(incl. Wiveliscombe and Bishops Lydeard)

Area 3: Bridgwater, Burnham-on-Sea & surrounding area 12(incl. N. Petherton, Nether Stowey)

Area 4: Central Somerset 15(incl. Glastonbury, Street & Langport, Somerton)

Area 5: Chard, Crewkerne, Ilminster & surrounding area 18

Area 6: Yeovil & surrounding area 21(incl. Martock, S. Petherton and Milborne Port)

Area 7: South East Somerset 25(incl. Wincanton, Castle Cary and Bruton)

Area 8: Frome & surrounding area 28

Area 9: Wells, Shepton and Mendip Hills (incl. Cheddar) 31


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1. Introduction

This Appendix sets out the proposals that will form the basis of the consultation exercise, if the recommendation in the covering decision report is agreed. Proposals are set out for 9 separate areas of Somerset – in some areas, there is more than one option proposed. We have considered library service provision area by area in this way because:

We have a duty to provide a comprehensive service, with reasonable access across Somerset. Areas have been designed to ensure that the majority of people do not have to travel far to access a library building.

People in different parts of Somerset use different local hubs for shopping and services. Areas have been designed to reflect these patterns of use.

The proposals will be set out online and in paper form in libraries, and members of the public will be invited to give feedback through a questionnaire. Further information on the various assessments used to develop the proposals will also be available, and respondents will be encouraged to read this information and provide feedback.


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Area 1: Western SomersetThe map below shows the existing library buildings (green pins) in Dulverton, Minehead, Porlock, Watchet and Williton and the existing mobile library stops (green dots) – 25 stops in this area per month. The Western Somerset area is shaded red / orange, with darker shading indicating higher levels of deprivation, and lighter shading indicating lower levels of deprivation.

The area includes most of West Somerset District, including Exmoor, the coast and hinterland from Porlock to Kilve, and the rural areas to the north of the Brendon Hills and north-west of the Quantock Hills.

It is generally sparsely populated (total pop. 32,014), with Minehead (pop. 11,291), Williton (pop. 2,644) and Watchet (pop. 3,581) being the main built up areas.

Current library catchments have relatively small populations, and commutes to Taunton or Bridgwater are an approximate 30 minute drive from Williton and 45 minutes from Minehead.

Commercial bus service 28 provides relatively good public transport between Minehead and Taunton, linking Watchet, Williton and other communities along the A39. There are public bus services from Dulverton to Taunton (via Wiveliscombe), Tiverton and Minehead. Community transport (including a parish-council funded scheduled bus service from Porlock) generally serves Minehead.

Levels of deprivation are relatively high in this area compared to the rest of Somerset, particularly in Watchet and Williton, and it is known for having very low levels of social mobility. Employment and income levels are lower than elsewhere in Somerset, and educational attainment is lower; only 63% of 5 year olds reaching the expected level of school readiness compared to 72% for Somerset as a whole.

There has been considerable investment in improving broadband infrastructure in the area. Evidence shows, however, residents are more likely to be digitally excluded than people living in Somerset as a whole, particularly in the more deprived communities of Minehead, Watchet and Williton.

PorlockMinehead

Watchet

Williton

Dulverton


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Social isolation is variable across the area, with people living in the coastal towns more likely to be socially isolated than those in the more rural areas. The area has a high proportion of people over 65, and for all current library catchments the proportion of disabled people is higher than for Somerset as a whole.

DulvertonLibrary

Minehead Library

Porlock Community

LibraryWatchet Library

Williton Library

Catchment population

3,840 26,977 2,044 5,719 12,853

Opening Hours per week

19 37.5 17.5 17.5 28

Active borrowers

545 2,763 267 491 1,202

Annual footfall 22,109 70,486 5,593 7,563 32,765

Proposal optionsThe following two options demonstrate the aim to keep as many library buildings as possible open. The options highlight, however, that for a number of libraries we may require community support to help us achieve this. We stress that library services will continue across Somerset, whatever the outcome of this consultation.

If we are unable to keep library buildings open in communities, we will deliver library services in other ways, such as through outreach (i.e. in alternative venues within communities), online or mobile library services.

Option 1a:

LIBRARY PROPOSALDulverton Provide library services through either

a partnership with the local community to maintain a library building in Dulverton (supported by some funding from the County Council), or

an additional mobile library stop.Minehead No change to existing library services.

Porlock There is already a partnership in place with the local Porlock community, supported by Somerset County Council. We hope library services will continue to be delivered in this way at Porlock Community Library going forward, and propose to support this community partnership with some funding from the County Council.

If this arrangement ever changes in future, we propose that an additional mobile library stop would provide an alternative way of delivering statutory library services within this community.


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Watchet Provide library services through either: a partnership with the local community to maintain a

library building in Watchet (supported by some funding from the County Council), or

By delivering outreach library services (such as events, activities, small book collections and/or public computer terminals via alternative venues), and providing an additional mobile library stop.

Williton No change to existing library services.

Option 1b:

Please note - this option is the same as above apart from the proposal for Dulverton Library

LIBRARY PROPOSALDulverton No change to existing library services.

Minehead No change to existing library services.

Porlock There is already a partnership in place with the local Porlock community, supported by Somerset County Council. We hope library services will continue to be delivered in this way at Porlock Community Library going forward, and propose to support this community partnership with some funding from the County Council.

If this arrangement ever changes in future, we propose that an additional mobile library stop would provide an alternative way of delivering statutory library services within this community.

Watchet Provide library services through either a partnership with the local community to maintain a

library building in Watchet (supported by some funding from the County Council), or


Williton No change to existing library services.


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Area 2: Taunton, Wellington and surrounding areaThe map below shows the existing library buildings (green pins) in Bishops Lydeard, Taunton town centre, Taunton Priorswood, Wellington and Wiveliscombe and the existing mobile library stops (green dots) – 18 stops in this area per month. Library Area 2 is shaded red / orange, with darker shading indicating higher levels of deprivation, and lighter shading indicating lower levels of deprivation.

This includes much of the Taunton Deane District Council area, from the Devon border across to the Quantock Hills, to the North-West of Taunton and the Blackdown Hills, and Western part of the Somerset Levels extending to Stoke St Gregory in the East.

This area has the highest population of the 9 areas (total pop. 115,545) because of the major towns of Taunton (pop. 64,621, the main built up area) and Wellington (pop. 13,822). Other sizable communities include Wiveliscombe (pop. 2,178), Cotford St Luke (pop. 2,309) and Bishops Lydeard (pop. 2,040). The rural areas around the major towns are densely populated.

Taunton and Wellington library catchments have large populations, with Taunton’s catchment extending well beyond the boundaries of the town.

Commercial bus services 28, 25 and 21 provide relatively good public transport links to Taunton along the main roads. Other less frequent public bus services serve the rural villages to the south and east of Taunton. Community Transport has good coverage across the area, centred on Taunton, which has a number of urban bus routes serving the urban areas around the town. Relatively good road links mean that driving times into Taunton from rural areas are convenient for those with vehicle access. Most of the area (including Wellington, Cotford St Luke, Bishop’s Lydeard and the Creech St. Michael/Ruishton communities) is 15 minutes’ drive or less from Taunton. Wiveliscombe and some of the rural areas in the Blackdown, Brendon and Quantock hills are around 20 minutes, or more, from Taunton. Roads

Taunton

Priorswood

Wellington

Bishops LydeardWiveliscombe


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into Taunton, however, can become congested and parking charges may not be affordable for those on low incomes.

Much of the population of Taunton live within walking or cycling distance of the town centre; even more so in Wellington.

Some of the rural areas are relatively wealthy, as are some parts of the major towns. Some urban areas are more deprived. Taunton has 3 neighbourhoods in the 10% most deprived nationally; Wellington has 1 neighbourhood in the 20% most deprived nationally. The percentage of under 5s reaching the expected level school readiness is much lower than the Somerset average in some of the urban neighbourhoods. Income and employment levels, health and educational attainment are also very low in the most deprived parts of Taunton.

Social isolation and digital exclusion vary across the area, and tend to align with areas of deprivation. As with other parts of Somerset, there has been considerable investment in improving rural broadband infrastructure. However, there are some rural areas where digital exclusion is higher than the Somerset average.

Bishops LydeardLibrary

Taunton Priors-wood

Library

Taunton (town

centre) Library

Wellington Library

Wivelis-combe Library


4,643 20,954 175,703 27,860 6,909

Opening hours per week

11 29 47.5 37 17.5

Active borrowers

275 879 14,267 1,671 737

Annual footfall

3,317 14,008 311,400 68,531 22,961



Area 2 Option a:

LIBRARY PROPOSALBishops Lydeard Provide library services through either

a partnership with the local community to maintain a library building in Bishops Lydeard, or

an additional mobile library stop.


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Priorswood(Taunton)

Provide library services through either a partnership with the local community to maintain

the current library in Priorswood, or By delivering outreach library services (such as

events, activities, small book collections and/or public computer terminals via alternative venues). We will work with our Family Support service, and other partners, to do this - this could include maintaining some library resources (such as book collections or public computer terminals) at the current library site.

Taunton No change to existing library services provided at Taunton Library.

We propose to provide additional outreach library services (such as events, activities, small book collections and/or public computer terminals) in other parts of Taunton, where these are needed most. We will work with other partners, including our Family Support service, to do this.

Wellington Provide library services through either: a partnership with the local community to maintain a

library building in Wellington (supported by some funding from the County Council), or

By delivering outreach library services (such as events, activities, small book collections and/or public computer terminals via alternative venues), and providing one or more additional mobile library stops.

Wiveliscombe Provide library services through either: a partnership with the local community to maintain a

library building in Wiveliscombe (supported by some funding from the County Council), or


Area 2 Option b:Please note - this option is the same as above apart from the proposal for Wellington Library

LIBRARY PROPOSALBishops Lydeard Provide library services through either

a partnership with the local community to maintain a library building in Bishops Lydeard, or

an additional mobile library stop.Priorswood(Taunton)

Provide library services through either a partnership with the local community to maintain

the current library in Priorswood, or By delivering outreach library services (such as


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events, activities, small book collections and/or public computer terminals via alternative venues). We will work with our Family Support service, and other partners, to do this - this could include maintaining some library resources (such as book collections or public computer terminals) at the current library site.

Taunton No change to existing library services provided at Taunton Library.

We propose to provide additional outreach library services (such as events, activities, small book collections and/or public computer terminals) in other parts of Taunton, where these are needed most. We will work with other partners, including our Family Support service, to do this.

Wellington No change to existing library services.

Wiveliscombe Provide library services through either: a partnership with the local community to maintain a

library building in Wiveliscombe (supported by some funding from the County Council), or



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Area 3: Bridgwater, Burnham-on-Sea and surrounding area The map below shows the existing library buildings (green pins) in Bridgwater, Burnham-on-Sea, Highbridge, Nether Stowey and North Petherton, and the existing mobile library stops (green dots) – 14 stops in this area per month. Library Area 3 is shaded red / orange, with darker shading indicating higher levels of deprivation, and lighter shading indicating lower levels of deprivation.

This includes much of Sedgemoor District and parts of the West Somerset District area.

It has the second highest population (102,300) of the nine Somerset areas considered within this consultation. Areas along the M5 corridor are relatively well populated and include the towns of Bridgwater (pop. 41,276), Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge (pop. 23,325). Other sizeable communities include North Petherton (pop. 3,142), Cannington (pop. 2,002) and Woolavington (pop. 2,115). To the West of Bridgwater, the rural area is sparsely populated. The area also extends inland from the coast into the Somerset Levels.

Bridgwater and Burnham-on-Sea library catchments between them cover the entire area. Nether Stowey, North Petherton and Highbridge library catchments cover much smaller areas.

Commercial bus service 21 provides relatively good public transport along the A38 linking much of the area’s population to the two major towns. Other less frequent services link Cannington to Bridgwater. Communities to the East of Bridgwater are served by Somerset County Council subsidised bus services, also running into Bridgwater. The rural area to the north and East of Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge also has public transport centred around the main town of Burnham-

Highbridge

Bridgwater

Nether Stowey

Burnham-on-Sea

North Petherton


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on-Sea. Community transport is available across the area, but is more limited in the west around Nether Stowey.

Road transport links are good across much of the area, and the majority of people in the area live within a 10 to 15 minute drive to either Bridgwater or Burnham-on-Sea. The area around Nether Stowey is around a 20 minute drive to Bridgwater. Congestion at some times of the day can increase journey time in Bridgwater, and parking charges may be difficult to afford for some people. Most residents who live in the urban area of Bridgwater are within walking or cycling distance from the town centre, alternatively there are some town bus services.

The proportion of older people and disabled people living in and around Burnham-on-Sea is notably higher than the proportion for Somerset as whole.

Levels of deprivation are relatively high in some parts of Highbridge and Bridgwater. 1 neighbourhood in Highbridge and 2 neighbourhoods in Bridgwater are in the 10% most deprived nationally. Across the area as a whole, levels of deprivation are slightly lower than the Somerset average. There is evidence of some deprivation in the rural areas around Stogursey and East Huntspill.

Employment, income and educational attainment levels are all slightly lower than the average for Somerset across the area as whole, there are also pockets of significant income and employment deprivation in parts of Bridgwater and Highbridge. School readiness levels are significantly lower in some parts of Bridgwater.

Social isolation and digital exclusion rates vary across the area, and tend to align with areas of deprivation, with digital exclusion also being very high in Burnham-on-Sea and part of North Petherton. As with other parts of Somerset, there has been considerable investment in improving rural broadband infrastructure. However, there are a number of rural areas where digital exclusion is higher than the Somerset average.

Bridgwater Library

Burnham-on-SeaLibrary

Highbridge Library

Nether Stowey Library

North Petherton Library


78,980 37,078 6,786 4,717 8,264


41 34 9.5 20 21

Active borrowers

6,143 3,270 288 410 452

Annual footfall 127,083 67,745 3,786 8,349 6,495

Proposal The following proposal demonstrates the aim to keep as many library buildings as possible open. The options highlight, however, that for a number of libraries we may require community support to help us achieve this. We stress that library services will continue across Somerset, whatever the outcome of this consultation.


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Area 3 Option a:

LIBRARY PROPOSALBridgwater Existing library services will continue to be provided at

Bridgwater Library. We will continue to explore the potential to share space with other organisations and/or partners, in order to save money.

We propose to provide additional outreach library services (such as events, activities, small book collections and/or public computer terminals) in other parts of Bridgwater, where these are needed most. We will work with other partners, including our Family Support service, to do this.

Burnham-on-Sea

Existing library services will continue to be provided at Burnham-on-Sea Library. We will continue to explore the potential to share space with other organisations and/or partners, in order to save money.

Highbridge Provide library services through either a partnership with the local community to maintain a

library building in Highbridge, or By delivering outreach library services (such as

events, activities, small book collections and/or public computer terminals via alternative venues). We will work with our Family Support service, and other partners, to do this.

Nether Stowey Provide library services through either: a partnership with the local community to maintain a

library building in Nether Stowey (supported by some funding from the County Council), or


North Petherton Provide library services through either: a partnership with the local community to maintain a

library building in North Petherton, or an additional mobile library stop.


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Area 4: Central Somerset Area profile The map below shows the existing library buildings (green pins) in Langport, Glastonbury, Somerton and Street, and the existing mobile library stops (green dots) – 20 stops in this area per month. Library Area 4 is shaded red / orange, with darker shading indicating higher levels of deprivation, and lighter shading indicating lower levels of deprivation.

This includes parts of South Somerset District, the South-West part of Mendip District and a small part of Sedgemoor District areas.

It is generally sparsely populated outside the main towns, which include Street (pop. 12,911), Glastonbury (pop. 8,471), Langport (pop. 3,063) and Somerton (pop. 4,339). Curry Rivel (pop 1,844) is the only other large settlement, but there are a number of other villages with populations of around one thousand or less.

Current library catchments overlap significantly. Street and Glastonbury library catchments cover similar areas, and Somerton and Langport catchments overlap to a lesser extent.

Glastonbury and Street are well connected by relatively frequent public bus services, and Somerton and Langport are also served by regular commercial bus services. Bus routes run from these centres along the main roads which link many of the main villages to either Langport and Somerton or Street and Glastonbury. All of the area is served by community transport groups.

The southern part of the area around Langport is some distance away from other towns in Somerset, with drive times to Taunton, Yeovil and Bridgwater approximately 25 to 30 minutes. Street and Glastonbury are nearer to Wells with a drive time of 20 minutes. All areas of these main towns are within walking and

Glastonbury

Langport

Somerton

Street


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cycling distance to their town centres and Street and Glastonbury are within a reasonable cycling distance of one another.

Levels of deprivation are in line with the averages for Somerset for the area as a whole. The only significant pocket of deprivation is in Glastonbury which has one neighbourhood in the 10% most deprived nationally. There is also one neighbourhood in Street which is in the 30% most deprived nationally, and other parts of Glastonbury and the rural area to the west of Langport are relatively deprived compared to Somerset as a whole.

Income and employment levels are lowest in parts of Langport, Glastonbury and Street, and the rural area to the west of Langport. The lowest income and employment deprivation in this area is in Glastonbury. Educational attainment and school readiness vary across the area, and tend to be higher in the rural districts. Social isolation and digital exclusion are most pronounced in parts of Somerton, Street and Glastonbury. Most rural parts of the area are less likely to experience social isolation.

GlastonburyLibrary

Langport Library

Somerton Library

Street Library


31,719 21,002 19,439 42,241


46 31.5 28.5 34

Active borrowers

2,121 1,702 1,228 2,530

Annual footfall 64,759 36,390 35,674 65,711

Proposal

The following proposal demonstrates the aim to keep as many library buildings as possible open. The options highlight, however, that for a number of libraries we may require community support to help us achieve this. We stress that library services will continue across Somerset, whatever the outcome of this consultation.


Area 4 Option a:

LIBRARY PROPOSALGlastonbury No change to existing library services.

Langport No change to existing library services.


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Somerton Provide library services through either a partnership with the local community to maintain a

library building in Somerton (supported by some funding from the County Council), or


Street Provide library services through either: a partnership with the local community to maintain a

library building in Street (supported by some funding from the County Council), or



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Area 5: Chard, Crewkerne, Ilminster and surrounding area The map below shows the existing library buildings (green pins) in Chard, Crewkerne and Ilminster and the existing mobile library stops (green dots) - 7 stops in this area per month. Library Area 5 is shaded red / orange, with darker shading indicating higher levels of deprivation, and lighter shading indicating lower levels of deprivation.

The area includes the western part of South Somerset District. It has a mixed urban and rural population (total pop. 43,853) The main towns are

Chard (pop. 13,074), Crewkerne (pop.7,826) and Ilminster (pop. 5,808). Other sizeable communities include Tatworth to the south of Chard (pop. 2,259) and Merriot (pop. 1,979) to the north of Crewkerne.

Commercial bus services run between Chard and Ilminster and onwards to Taunton. Other bus services in the area are less frequent, but do connect Crewkerne with Chard and Yeovil, providing access into the towns from some of the surrounding villages. The area is reasonably well served by community transport, centred on Chard and Ilminster in the west, and generally serving Yeovil from the east of the catchment. The urban areas are small enough for walking and cycling access to town centres.

The south-western part of the area around Chard is some distance away from the major towns of Somerset, with drive times to Taunton and Yeovil of approximately 25 minutes. Crewkerne and Ilminster and their surrounding rural areas are nearer to Yeovil and Taunton respectively, with driving times of approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

Levels of deprivation are relatively high in Chard, with one neighbourhood in the 20% most deprived nationally, and several other neighbourhoods with higher levels of deprivation than the average for Somerset. Less significant areas of deprivation also exist in Crewkerne and Ilton in the rural north of the area. Employment and

Ilminster

Chard

Crewkerne


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income levels are higher than elsewhere in Somerset in many of the rural areas, with the exception of the rural district to the north of Ilminster where income is lower than the Somerset average. Crewkerne has a higher proportion of older people than the average for Somerset.

Educational attainment and school readiness also tends to be higher in the rural parts of the area, with pockets of low attainment in Chard and Crewkerne. Social isolation and digital exclusion are significant issues in Chard, with a smaller pocket of social isolation / digital exclusion in Crewkerne. The rural areas to the south of Chard and west of Ilminster also contain populations that are likely to be digitally excluded

ChardLibrary

Crewkerne Library

Ilminster Library


27,502 24,051 13,132


31.5 29 21.5

Active borrowers

2,612 2,262 1,141

Annual footfall 85,713 60,223 24,980

Proposal optionsThe following three options demonstrate the aim to keep as many library buildings as possible open. The options highlight, however, that for a number of libraries we may require community support to help us achieve this. We stress that library services will continue across Somerset, whatever the outcome of this consultation.


Area 5 Option a:

LIBRARY PROPOSALChard No change to existing library services.

Crewkerne Provide library services through either: a partnership with the local community to maintain a

library building in Crewkerne (supported by some funding from the County Council), or



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Ilminster Provide library services through either: a partnership with the local community to maintain a

library building in Ilminster (supported by some funding from the County Council), or


Area 5 Option b:Please note - this option is the same as option a above apart from the proposal for Crewkerne Library


Crewkerne No change to existing library services.

Ilminster Provide library services through either: a partnership with the local community to maintain a

library building in Ilminster (supported by some funding from the County Council), or


Area 5 Option c:Please note - this option is the same as option b above apart from the proposal for Ilminster Library


Crewkerne No change to existing library services.

Ilminster No change to existing library services.


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Area 6: Yeovil and surrounding area The map below shows the existing library buildings (green pins) in Martock, Milborne Port, South Petherton, Yeovil (central) and Yeovil (Sunningdale) and the existing mobile library stops (green dots) – 11 stops in this area per month. Library Area 6 is shaded red / orange, with darker shading indicating higher levels of deprivation, and lighter shading indicating lower levels of deprivation.

The area includes the central part of South Somerset District. It is has the third highest population of the 9 library areas (total pop. 79,229), with

the majority of people living in the main town of Yeovil (pop. 45,784). There a number of other sizeable communities, including Martock (pop. 4,522), South Petherton (pop. 3,064), Milborne Port (pop. 2,802), Stoke sub Hamdon (2,415), and Ilchester (pop. 2,153), as well as many smaller villages.

Yeovil library catchment covers the whole area and extends beyond into other library areas. Other library catchments are more tightly focussed around their library.

Bus services generally run to Yeovil. Martock and South Petherton are linked to Yeovil by subsidised bus services, also serving many of the villages to the north and west of Yeovil. A commercial service links Yeovil to Milborne Port (and on to Wincanton), and other services run into Yeovil from the southwest (serving some of the villages in this part of the catchment) and the north (serving Ilchester). There are no bus links between Martock, South Petherton and Crewkerne. Community transport serves the area reasonably well, but services are more limited in Martock. Most community transport runs into Yeovil, but Milborne Port is served by a Wincanton-based community transport service.

Road links are generally good, and all of the major settlements are within a 15 minute drive of Yeovil. Within Yeovil itself, the town centre is generally within reasonable cycling distance, and a number of urban bus services provide an alternative way into the town centre.

Levels of deprivation are high in some parts of Yeovil, with two neighbourhoods in the 10% most deprived nationally, and a further 2 neighbourhoods in the 20% most

Milborne Port

South Petherton

Martock

Yeovil

Sunningdale


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deprived. Outside Yeovil, the only noteable area of deprivation is one neighbourhood in Martock (in the 30% most deprived nationally); much of the rural part of the catchment is relatively wealthy. Employment and income levels are higher than elsewhere in Somerset in many of the rural areas, with the exception of the rural district around Stoford to the south of Yeovil, and in part of Martock.

Educational attainment and school readiness also tends to be higher in the rural parts of the area – the % of 5 year olds ‘school ready’ ranges from 80-90% in the rural parts of the catchment (including South Petherton and Martock) to around 50% in some parts of Yeovil. Social isolation and digital exclusion are significant issues in Martock and parts of Yeovil, with smaller pockets of digital exclusion in South Petherton, Milborne Port and in the rural areas to the west of Yeovil and around Marston Magna in the north of the area.

MartockLibrary

Milborne Port

Library

South Petherton

Library

Yeovil (central) Library

Yeovil (Sunning-

dale) Library


15,333 3,790 5,422 114,641 4,795


26 14.5 16.5 47.5 14

Active borrowers

1,224 356 464 8,059 143

Annual footfall 38,945 6,402 7,237 175,281 3,734



Area 6 Option a:

LIBRARY PROPOSALMartock Provide library services through either:

a partnership with the local community to maintain a library building in Martock (supported by some funding from the County Council), or


Milborne Port Provide library services through either


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a partnership with the local community to maintain a library building in Milborne Port, or


South Petherton

Provide library services through either a partnership with the local community to maintain a

library building in South Petherton, or an additional mobile library stop.

Sunningdale (Yeovil)

Provide library services through either a partnership with the local community to maintain the

current library in Sunningdale, or by delivering outreach library services (such as

events, activities, small book collections and/or public computer terminals via alternative venues). We will work with other partners, including our Family Support service, to do this.

Yeovil Existing library services will continue to be provided at Yeovil Library. We will continue to explore the potential to share space, in order to save money.

We propose to provide additional outreach library services (such as events, activities, small book collections and/or public computer terminals) in other parts of Yeovil, where these are needed most. We will work with other partners, including our Family Support service, to do this.

Area 6 Option b:Please note - this option is the same as above apart from the proposal for Martock Library

LIBRARY PROPOSALMartock No change to existing library services.

Milborne Port Provide library services through either a partnership with the local community to maintain a

library building in Milborne Port, or an additional mobile library stop.

South Petherton

Provide library services through either a partnership with the local community to maintain a

library building in South Petherton, or an additional mobile library stop.

Sunningdale (Yeovil)

Provide library services through either a partnership with the local community to maintain the

current library in Sunningdale, or


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by delivering outreach library services (such as events, activities, small book collections and/or public computer terminals via alternative venues). We will work with other partners, including our Family Support service, to do this.

Yeovil Existing library services will continue to be provided at Yeovil Library. We will continue to explore the potential to share space, in order to save money.

We propose to provide additional outreach library services (such as events, activities, small book collections and/or public computer terminals) in other parts of Yeovil, where these are needed most. We will work with other partners, including our Family Support service, to do this.


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Area 7: South East Somerset Area profile The map below shows the existing library buildings (green pins) in Bruton, Castle Cary and Wincanton and the existing mobile library stops (green dots) – 4 stops in this area per month. Library Area 7 is shaded red / orange, with darker shading indicating higher levels of deprivation, and lighter shading indicating lower levels of deprivation.

The area includes the eastern part of South Somerset District. It has the smallest population (total 22,360) of the 9 library areas, and is relatively

sparsely populated. The main towns are Wincanton (pop. 5,435), Castle Cary (pop. 3,232) and Bruton (pop. 2,984, including adjoining Pitcombe). Other sizeable communities include Templecombe (pop. 1,560) and Henstridge (pop. 1,530) in the south of the area.

Commercial bus services run between Wincanton and Yeovil, linking Templecombe and Henstridge to Wincanton. A subsidised bus route links Castle Cary and Bruton to Wincanton and Street, and community transport serves most of the area, again running into Wincanton. The urban areas are small enough for walking and cycling access to town centres.

The area is some distance away from the major towns of Somerset, with drive times to Yeovil / Frome of approximately 25 / 30 minutes from Wincanton and Castle Cary. In contrast, the three major towns are all within 10 minutes’ drive of one another, and the vast majority of the area can be reached in 15 minutes’ drive from Wincanton.

Compared to other library areas, there are no significant areas of deprivation. Only 3 neighbourhoods – in Wincanton, Henstridge and Castle Cary – are more

Bruton

Wincanton

Castle Cary


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deprived than the Somerset average. Employment and income levels are higher than elsewhere in Somerset in the area as a whole, however income is relatively low (in the 40% most deprived for income deprivation) in Castle Cary. Many of the rural parts of the area have high levels of income and employment.

Educational attainment and school readiness levels are lowest in Wincanton (which has a neighbourhood in the 20% most deprived nationally for education deprivation); educational attainment in Castle Cary is also relatively low. Social isolation is most pronounced in Castle Cary and Wincanton, and digital exclusion appears to be a significant issue in Castle Cary and Henstridge.

BrutonLibrary

Castle Cary Library

Wincanton Library


4,698 8,326 18,121


12 19.5 28.5

Active borrowers

355 592 1,671

Annual footfall 5,096 8,832 29,564

Proposal The following proposal demonstrates the aim to keep as many library buildings as possible open. The options highlight, however, that for a number of libraries we may require community support to help us achieve this. We stress that library services will continue across Somerset, whatever the outcome of this consultation.


Area 7 Option a:

LIBRARY PROPOSALBruton Provide library services through either

a partnership with the local community to maintain a library building in Bruton, or

an additional mobile library stop.Castle Cary Provide library services through either

a partnership with the local community to maintain a library building in Castle Cary (supported by some funding from the County Council), or

an additional mobile library stop.Wincanton No change to existing library service.

Area 8: Frome and surrounding area


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The map below shows the existing library building (green pin) in Frome and the existing mobile library stops (green dots) – 7 stops in this area per month. Library Area 8 is shaded red / orange, with darker shading indicating higher levels of deprivation, and lighter shading indicating lower levels of deprivation.

This includes the north eastern part of Mendip Council area, from the Wiltshire and North-East Somerset border in the north and east, across to Coleford and Batcombe in the west..

The area has a population of 40,733, most of whom live in the major town of Frome (pop. 26,203). The only other sizable community is Coleford (pop. 2,151). Many of the rural areas to the south and north of the area are sparsely populated.

Frome library catchment extends across the whole area and beyond. There are no other Library buildings in this area. Frome and the surrounding villages, as well the area around Coleford, are close to other towns and villages outside of Somerset, and many people living the area travel regularly to Trowbridge, Warminster, Bath and Midsomer Norton / Radstock.

Frome is well served by commercial bus services, linking villages along the major routes to Frome town centre. Frome also has a limited town bus service. The whole area is served by Community Transport, centred mainly on Frome (although some communities in the west of the area are linked to Shepton and Wells).

Relatively good road links mean that driving times into Frome from rural areas are convenient for those with vehicle access. Most of the area is 10-15 minutes’ drive from Frome; areas around the southern and western boundaries are up to 20 minutes’ drive from Frome and slightly closer to Shepton Mallet or Wells. Much of the population of Frome live within walking or cycling distance of the town centre.

Frome


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Frome and the north-eastern part of the area are a relatively long way from other major towns in Somerset – Shepton and Wells are 25-30 minutes by car from the communities of Rode and Norton St. Philip in the far north-east of the County.

Some of the rural districts to the east of Frome are relatively wealthy, as are some parts of Frome; Frome also has some relatively deprived neighbourhoods (1 neighbourhood in the 20% most deprived nationally). Across the area as a whole deprivation, income and employment levels are in line with the average for Somerset.

The percentage of under 5s reaching the expected level school readiness is slightly lower than the Somerset average across the area as a whole, and around 15-20 percentage points lower in parts of Frome and some of the rural districts in the west of the area. Income and employment levels, health and educational attainment are also very low in the most deprived parts of Frome.

Social isolation and digital exclusion vary across the area, and tend to align with areas of deprivation. Again, parts of Frome have the highest levels of social isolation and digital exclusion, with a noteable pocket of digital exclusion in and around Coleford.

Frome Library


48,391


44

Active borrowers

7,158

Annual footfall 188,279

Proposal Our 9 area proposals demonstrate the aim to keep as many library buildings as possible open across Somerset. Some of our proposals highlight, however, that for a number of libraries we may require community support to help us achieve this. We stress that library services will continue across Somerset, whatever the outcome of this consultation.

We are proposing a limited change to current library services in this area. The change proposed will provide additional outreach library services in communities that need them the most.

Option 8a:


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LIBRARY PROPOSALFrome No change to existing library services provided at Frome

Library.

We propose to provide additional outreach library services (such as events, activities, small book collections and/or public computer terminals) in other parts of Frome, where these are needed most. We will work with other partners, including our Family Support service, to do this.


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Area 9: Wells, Shepton and Mendip Hills The map below shows the existing library buildings (green pins) in Cheddar, Wells and Shepton Mallet and the existing mobile library stops (green dots) – 20 stops in this area per month. Library Area 9 is shaded red / orange, with darker shading indicating higher levels of deprivation, and lighter shading indicating lower levels of deprivation.

This includes much of the Mendip District Council area and the north eastern part of Sedgemoor District Council area, from the Mendip Hills in the north to the Somerset Levels in the south, extending to Stratton-on-the-Fosse and Evercreech in the east.

Around half of the population of 57,450 live in the towns of Wells (pop. 11,343), Shepton Mallet (pop. 10,369) and the major villages of Cheddar (pop. 5,199), Axbridge (2,057) and Chilcompton (pop. 2,062). Other sizable communities include Evercreech (pop. 1,843), and Wedmore (pop. 1,409). The northern half of the area is covered by the Mendip Hills and is sparsely populated;

Wells and Shepton library catchments have large populations, with the Wells catchment covering much of the area and beyond.

Scheduled bus services link Axbridge, Cheddar, Wedmore, and other villages to the west of the area to Wells. Commercial services 173 and 174 provide links between Wells and Shepton and the villages to the north east of the area (Chilcompton and Stratton-on-the-Fosse); the villages of Evercreech, Stoke St. Michael and Pilton are linked to Shepton Mallet. Community Transport has good coverage across the area, serving Wells and Shepton in most of the area, with links to Bridgwater and Burnham-on-Sea from the area around Cheddar and Wedmore in the west.

Road links between the major villages and towns are generally good – either Shepton or Wells can be reached in 15 minutes’ drive from most of the area; the area around Axbridge and Cheddar is slightly more distant (15-20 minutes’ drive) from Wells. Shepton and Wells have reasonable walking or cycling access into

Shepton Mallet

Cheddar

Wells


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town centres. Distances to other major towns in Somerset are longer – around half an hour to Bridgwater from the western end of the Mendip Hills, and a similar distance to Frome from Chewton Mendip at the eastern end of the range.

Some of the rural areas are relatively wealthy, particularly to the west around Wedmore and Cheddar, as are some parts of the major towns. Although the towns do not have the levels of deprivation experienced in other parts of Somerset, both Wells and Shepton each have one neighbourhood in the 30% most deprived nationally. Educational attainment is slightly higher than the Somerset average across the area as a whole, with parts of Shepton Mallet having lower levels of school readiness and educational attainment. Income and employment levels are generally higher than the Somerset average (again, with the exception of some parts of Wells and Shepton.

Social isolation and digital exclusion vary across the area, and tend to align with areas of deprivation, with the exception of a notable area of social isolation in Cheddar. Digital exclusion is highest in Wells, Cheddar and in the rural district around Evercreech in the south east of the area.

CheddarLibrary

Shepton Mallet Library Wells Library


15,139 23,719 67,297


24 32.5 47.5

Active borrowers

1,310 1,830 4,068

Annual footfall 31,541 43,917 117,297

Proposal optionsThe following three options demonstrate the aim to keep as many library buildings as possible open. The options highlight, however, that for a number of libraries we may require community support to help us achieve this. We stress that library services will continue across Somerset, whatever the outcome of this consultation.


Area 9 Option a:

LIBRARY PROPOSALCheddar Provide library services through either:

a partnership with the local community to maintain a library building in Cheddar (supported by some funding from the County Council), or

an additional mobile library stop.Shepton Mallet Existing library services would continue to be provided, although


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we are looking to relocate the library to a suitable alternative building. This is likely to be the Shape Mendip hub.

Wells No change to existing library services.

Area 9 Option b:

Please note - this option is the same as option 9a above apart from the proposal for Shepton Mallet Library

LIBRARY PROPOSALCheddar Provide library services through either:

a partnership with the local community to maintain a library building in Cheddar (supported by some funding from the County Council), or

an additional mobile library stop.Shepton Mallet Provide library services through either:

a partnership with the local community to maintain a library building in Shepton Mallet (supported by some funding from the County Council), or



Area 9 Option c:Please note - this option is the same as option 9a above apart from the proposal for Cheddar Library

LIBRARY PROPOSALCheddar No change to existing library services.

Shepton Mallet Existing library services would continue to be provided, although we are looking to relocate the library to a suitable alternative building. This is likely to be the Shape Mendip hub.


Appendix 1: for Consultation Library Service...

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