A NEW £27million library in the heart of Southend could result in a poorer service for residents, an opposition leader has claimed.

Graham Longley, Southend Council’s Lib Dem leader, spoke of his worries about the new library, in Elmer Square, which will be shared between Southend Council, South Essex College and the University of Essex.

Council bosses insist this will not be the case and the new library, on the site of the old Farringdon car park, will be 20 per cent bigger than the existing one in Victoria Avenue.

Mr Longley said: “I’m not sure the different groups will go together. I see it as conflicting needs.

“In a situation like this, it’s highly likely the university will come out on top, which means local residents wouldn’t have the time or access they would in the past.

“I’m not totally against it, I’m just expressing reservations. Residents shouldn’t be seen to lose the facilities they have.”

Mr Longley also expressed concerns about the cost, of which the council will pay £12.5million from its capital budget. He said: “Is what we are getting value for money for local residents? Possibly not.”

The council’s Tory leader Nigel Holdcroft described such fears as “absolute nonsense”.

He said: “Members of the public will be able to gain access to a whole range of academic resources they wouldn’t be able to do previously.

“There will be a massive improvement in resources. The existing library building is starting to show its age and is not fit for purpose.

“At a time when across the country, library services are under attack, here in Southend we have an absolutely cutting-edge development to drive forward library development.

“The fact we are able to have investment from further and higher education as well as local authority makes the project deliverable.”

Mr Holdcroft said the teaming up between the council, college and university would save running costs.

The development will feature a higher education centre for the college and a research and learning facility for the university.

A planning application is expected next month.

CONCERN OF OTHERS

ANOTHER opposition leader has expressed concerns about the new library.

Martin Terry, the council’s Independent leader, said: “Should we be spending that amount of money on that particular scheme?

“I wouldn’t want to hinder the progress of the university, but I’m worried whether it will be a hindrance to the community.

“I’m concerned about the cost and the impact on the library service overall.”

But Labour leader Ian Gilbert said: “I think overall, it’s positive. I realise residents are concerned, but it’s a matter of perception which should be addressed.

“I think sharing services like this is a potential way of saving money which the council has to look at.

“I can understand why people would think the cost is excessive at the moment.

“But it’s capital money which we can’t spend on continuing services so it really does have to be used for that purpose.”