Thatcham library will get refurbishment and disabled-access toilet
Thatcham library has been granted permission to go ahead with its long awaited refurbishment, which includes the installation of a new disabled-access toilet.
The building, on Bath Road, is to now see a single-storey porch extension which will provide a new entrance. The existing canopy will also be removed.
West Berkshire Council granted planning permission on February 4, and has given the applicants no longer than three years to begin the development.
Ward councillor Jeremy Cottam (Lib Dem, Thatcham North East) welcomed the approval saying there were “so many benefits” in this project that was “close to [Thatcham Town Council’s] heart”.
He said: "It’s something we really, really wanted as a town council, we really did push hard for this.”
The application, which was discussed last year in a town council meeting was supported by Thatcham town councillors.
The new disabled access toilet saw particular support, with the building currently holding no toilet facility.
Mr Cottam said: “We felt it was absolutely necessary, [as it] doesn’t have a toilet at all. We wanted to make sure it had a disabled access.”
The introduction of a new entrance area was hoped to reduce antisocial behaviour.
The ward councillor added: “We have had some issues in the evenings of people coming there making a mess and so wanted to have a better reception entrance lobby.”
He said that the refurbishment will also ensure that the building is warm during the winter.
A bid for a library refurbishment was previously turned down by West Berkshire Council in 2021, with the district authority saying a review of all libraries was being planned.
The Thatcham town centre masterplan is to look at the future of libraries in Thatcham, but the procurement has been paused to allow for complimentary work to be carried out to support the Local Plan Review.
Discussions on improvements across the town will continue over 2022 and 2023.
Thatcham Town Council has contributed around £24,000 each year for the last three years to help keep the town library open, following the district council having to make £17m of cuts in 2017.
