An update regarding the library arrangements from 2023 was recently given to members of Saundersfoot Community Council at their meeting this month.

Clr. Sue Boughton-Thomas reported that it had been confirmed by the Charities Commission last month, that the Regency Hall Objects can be changed to incorporate Library Services, which enables the working party to move forward to finalise the transfer from a Pembrokeshire County Council run facility to a ‘Community Managed Library’.

The working party was hoping to hold a meeting with Mike Cavanagh and Anita Thomas from PCC prior to the elections on May 5, but unfortunately, it was felt by Mike Cavanagh that the meeting should be delayed until after the elections, due to pre-election protocols.

“This does create some problems, as councillors Sefton, Baker, Upham and myself are not standing for re-election, but as Clr. Upham and myself are trustees of the Regency Hall, we can wear our other ‘hats’ for meetings, and if everyone here is in agreement, we could ask Clr. Baker to attend as a Community Consultant, using his extensive knowledge both from County and Community aspects, and Clr. Williams would continue to attend on behalf of the Community Council, and report back to Council on the progress,” stated Clr. Boughton-Thomas.

“On the finance side, until we are able to meet with PCC, we have no definite idea of what the ongoing library running costs will be in the future, but would ask for a commitment from Saundersfoot Community Council, that, as this is a community confirmed project, some, albeit reduced, levels of funding will be made available from the annual precepts, for the foreseeable future, to part cover the running costs,” she continued.

It was confirmed to members that £11,000 had been budgeted for the 2022/23 library costs, and any further commitment would have to be considered at the setting of the 2023/24 budget.

It was agreed that the library working party would remain the responsibility of Saundersfoot Community Council but request that councillors Baker and Sefton remain members to ensure continuity.