Ryhall Library Service to Remain at Current Location Following Rutland County Council Review

Ryhall Library Service to Remain at Current Location Following Council Review

Rutland County Council has announced its decision to maintain the Ryhall Library Service in its current form and at its existing premises, following a thorough review of options and a public consultation. The decision, which will be formally confirmed at the next Full Council meeting on July 10, 2025, brings welcome news to local residents who value the library's continued presence.

The Council's review was prompted by a condition survey conducted earlier in the year, which revealed that the cost of extensively repairing and enhancing the library building to incorporate additional health and wellbeing services would far exceed available funding. This led to a public consultation held between January and February 2025, seeking community input on the future of the service.

A Cabinet decision initially slated for April 2025 was postponed to allow for a more comprehensive exploration of alternatives, including the possibility of establishing a community-based service at a different venue within the Ryhall area. However, after a detailed appraisal, the Council concluded that maintaining the status quo was the most viable option at this time.

The Council's exploration of alternative locations, both within Ryhall and nearby villages, did not yield any immediately available venues suitable for relocating the library service. Furthermore, the ongoing demands and uncertainties surrounding local government reorganisation played a significant role in the decision-making process. The Council determined that a prolonged process to relocate the service and dispose of the existing building would not be in the best interests of library users or an effective use of resources, particularly given the impending changes to local governance.

Rutland County Council is mindful that a new council body, expected to assume control of public assets and local service delivery (including rural libraries) within the next three years, may re-evaluate library provisions. By keeping Ryhall Library Service in its current location, the Council aims to provide the local community with more time to consider options should a future council propose changes.

While significant capital funds for extensive repairs to the building remain unavailable beyond the existing maintenance budget, national grant funding originally earmarked for the building's enhancement will now be reallocated to improve equipment and lending facilities at the current site. The Council stressed that its commitment to routine maintenance will continue to ensure the building remains safe and compliant. However, it acknowledged that should the building fall into serious disrepair and become unsafe, an alternative library offer in the east of the County may still need to be explored.

Rutland County Council reiterates its commitment to collaborating with local communities to optimise the use of community spaces and advance the ambitions of its "Living Well" service, which aims to enhance access to health, wellbeing, and education services for residents across the County. The decision regarding Ryhall Library Service underscores this commitment, prioritizing stability and accessibility for the local community in the face of ongoing challenges and future uncertainties.