STEVENSTON residents have slammed North Ayrshire Council chiefs over the decision to shut the local library for months.

The Herald revealed last week that Stevenston Library would close between April 20 until June to allow an Employment Hub to be added to the building.

And at a public meeting in the library on Monday, Saltcoats and Stevenston Councillors Jim Montgomerie and Alan Munro met local residents, who are fearful about the future of the library after the refurbishment is carried out Concerns over the lack of consultation were raised and it was revealed that the Head of Service for Connected Communities, Audrey Sutton, and the local councillors had disagreed over the move.

Locals were worried about security within the library when the employment hub opened, whether benefit seekers would be sanctioned at the library. They were told that this would not be happening.

On a more positive note, it was also revealed that there would be new furniture and shelving space for extra books.

Councillor Montgomerie said: “There was a lack of consultation. I am 100 per cent behind this hub, but I don’t want the library to lose space either.

“Why couldn’t it have been put in an empty office space owned by the council just round the corner?

“I am not against it, but the officers wouldn’t answer me on whether it was discussed at Cabinet or Full Council. It all sounds great but it is the lack of consultation that is the main issue.

“Councillors are elected by the people and it is not for officers to make these decisions. I was also told that there was a consultation at the same time as a Full Council meeting, which we shouldn’t be missing.” Stevenston resident Norrie Hunter attended the meeting.

He said later: “It is strange that two local councillors seemed to know little about the decision by North Ayrshire Council to put an Employment Hub in Stevenston Library.” A spokesperson for North Ayrshire Council, said: “A constructive meeting regarding the implementation of a new Employment Hub in Stevenston’s Beattie Library took place on Monday.

"Those in attendance were largely supportive of the plans and the feedback generated from the discussion will be used to help shape the development’s layout and design.

“North Ayrshire Council and its partners are firmly committed to helping people find employment.

"The new Employment Hub is an exciting and innovative project which will enable residents to access a range of support at a single location.

"It will also only enhance the existing library facilities which support ICT access and skills development as well as providing the public with advice on employment, benefits, finance and training.

“Planned refurbishment works to the library’s décor, along with ICT upgrades, are also scheduled to take place.

"All groups who would have been affected by the library’s closure have been successfully relocated on a temporary basis and a mobile library service will be in operation to enable residents to access the same range of books, talking books, CDs and DVDs which are usually available.”