Rutland County Council Launches Consultation on Ryhall Library Services

Rutland County Council Launches Consultation on Ryhall Library Services

Rutland County Council has launched a public consultation to gather feedback on the future of library services in Ryhall.  The consultation, which runs until Thursday, February 27th, seeks input from local residents on alternative ways to deliver library services.   

This initiative follows a review of the Ryhall Library building, which revealed that the necessary renovations to bring the facility up to standard exceed the allocated budget.  As part of a larger plan to enhance all four libraries in Rutland, the council is now exploring different options for delivering library services to the Ryhall community.   

The council emphasises the importance of community involvement in this process and is encouraging all library users to participate in the consultation.  Councillor Christine Wise, Cabinet Member for Transport, Environment, and Communities at Rutland County Council, stated, "I would urge library users from Ryhall and other areas to take part in this consultation. We understand the importance of a library service and are keen to hear from the public on how this can best be delivered."   

Residents can share their views and ideas through an online survey available on the Rutland County Council website.  For those who prefer a paper format, copies of the survey are available at the Ryhall Library.   

www.rutland.gov.uk/have-your-say/ryhall-library-services

To further facilitate community engagement, the council will also be hosting drop-in sessions at the Ryhall Library building.  These sessions will provide an opportunity for residents to speak directly with officers from the Living Well Rutland Service.  The drop-in sessions are scheduled for the following dates and times:   

Thursday, February 6th: 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM   

Friday, February 7th: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM   

Thursday, February 13th: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM   

The council encourages all Ryhall library users, as well as residents from surrounding areas, to take part in the consultation and help shape the future of library services in the community.

Ryhall Library: Exploring Alternative Futures for Library Services

Rutland County Council is embarking on a public consultation regarding the future of library services in Ryhall. This consultation is crucial as the council explores alternative options for delivering these vital services to the community.  This article explains the background to this consultation and how residents can get involved.

The council has secured £950,000 in national grant funding to enhance all four of its library buildings, transforming them into new "Living Well Centres."  However, during condition surveys conducted to inform these enhancements, it became clear that Ryhall Library presents a unique challenge.

The necessary works to bring the Ryhall building up to standard exceed the available budget allocated for the site.  This has prompted the council to notify the Department of Digital Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) and the Arts Council, as required, to explore alternative solutions for delivering library services in Ryhall.  This notification is a preliminary step, preceding public engagement and consultation.   

The council is now at the stage of public consultation, seeking input from the community to consider all options and propose an alternative plan to the Arts Council.  The goal is to secure the available funding and ensure the continued provision of library services in the Ryhall area.   

The Condition of Ryhall Library:

Ryhall Library, a single-story brick building constructed in the early 1970s, has several structural issues. A recent update to the 2021 building condition survey revealed several defects requiring attention within the next five years to prevent further deterioration.   

While Rutland's Living Well programme is funded through Section 106 monies, capital grants, and the national Libraries Improvement Fund (LIF), the estimated cost of repairs for Ryhall Library significantly surpasses the available LIF grant.  The required works are estimated to cost at least £250,000, nearly four times the allocated funding.   

Specific issues include water damage, roof construction concerns, evidence of nesting bats, and ground-level access problems.  Internally, the building suffers from fractured brickwork, defective doors and windows, and requires washroom replacement.  A full rewire, along with new heating and lighting systems, is likely necessary. The building also has minimal insulation.  Furthermore, specialist surveys, including an asbestos survey, are required to fully assess the extent of the work and associated costs.   

The Importance of Community Input:

Because the LIF funding must be spent by the end of March 2026, work on other library sites must proceed as planned while the Ryhall consultation takes place. The council emphasises the importance of community participation in shaping the future of Ryhall's library services.  Residents are encouraged to engage in the consultation process to ensure that all viable options are explored and the best possible solution is implemented. 

www.rutland.gov.uk/have-your-say/ryhall-library-services