Borough MP defends Parkgate library plan

BOROUGH MP Lorely Burt has leapt to the defence of plans to build a new Shirley library in the Parkgate scheme.

The Observer reproted last week how proposals to incorporate a new library in the scheme had come in for criticism.

But Mrs Burt - who had long been against Parkgate - says moving the library would be a great thing for the people of Shirley and that the Parkgate project should now be fully supported by everyone in the town.

"We all now need to get behind Parkgate and help ensure it is as good as it can be," she said.

"The library would attract lots of people to the new development and create a real hub in the town centre, which is what everybody wanted in the first place."

Solihull Council's Cabinet Member for Community Services Kate Wild has also defended the proposal as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

She said: "We (Solihull Council) have built a splendid brand new library in Chelmsley Wood as part of the new Bluebell Centre and also a new library in Smiths Wood - this when other councils up and down the country are closing libraries.

"We are hoping, if the plans come to fruition, to provide a new 21st century library for the people of Shirley at the heart of their shopping area.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build a brand new library for Shirley. It is as simple as that."

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