Petition to keep Nairn library in town centre handed in to Highland Council
Highland Council recently held a public consultation on the matter, which would see the service moved from its current High Street location to the planned new Nairn Academy build.
Last updated 28th Jun 2022
More than 1500 people have signed a petition objecting to proposals to re-locate a Highland library.
Highland Council recently held a public consultation on the matter, which would see the service moved from its current High Street location to the planned new Nairn Academy build.
Pam Bochel, who is leading the campaign, has now submitted her petition to Highland Council HQ.
Vital part of town centre
834 supporters have signed the online petition, and a further 713 signed the petition in High Street businesses, making a total of 1,547 signatures.
Pam says she was delighted with the response.
She said: "There has been overwhelming support from members of the public and from businesses to keep the library in the centre of town.
"The library is a vital part of the town centre, and it offers so much more than just books to borrow - it provides access to computers, computing tuition, Wi-Fi, printers, photocopiers, and is a meeting place for many community groups such as Book Bug sessions for children and a Gaelic conversation group. Its central location is accessible, on a bus route and has parking nearby.
"Moving the library out of town, not on a bus route, would make it inaccessible to many people without cars and it would also have a detrimental effect on footfall for High Street businesses.
"I have been using Nairn library since it was in Viewfield when I was a child.
"In those days it was an austere place, with noise of any kind frowned upon.
"Since then the library has moved to the High Street and has become a lively welcoming place for the whole community.
"I have been overwhelmed not only by the number of members of the public who have voiced their support and signed the petition, but also by the many business owners who were very happy to carry copies of the petition in their premises.
"I would also like to highlight the excellent Nairn library staff who are so knowledgeable and always willing to help with any enquiries."
Library users may benefit from modern facilities
Highland Council say they're currently reviewing feedback and haven't made a decision on the issue.
A spokesperson said: "A decision has not yet been made regarding the future location of Nairn Library.
"The Council is currently reviewing the feedback received from a recent public consultation, hosted by High Life Highland on behalf of the Council.
"The consultation provided the opportunity for individuals to comment on the proposed relocation of the library, as a part of the new school build, so library users may benefit from modern and fit for purpose facilities.
"The Highland Council has a procedure in place for the consideration of public petitions, the details of which can be found on the Council’s website."