THERE was outrage at a public meeting over the future of Llandysul library last week when a Ceredigion County Council Cabinet member admitted he had never even set foot in the building.

During an occasionally fractious question and answer session, Cllr Dafydd Edwards, whose portfolio includes responsibility for the county council’s library services, was asked whether he had ever visited Canolfan Tysul which is currently earmarked for closure.

Cllr Edwards’ frank response of “not personally, no” was greeted with general astonishment and cries of “disgraceful!” and “appalling!” from the floor as angry library users voiced their frustration.

Following the well-attended meeting, campaigner – who suggested alternative ways of maintaining a library service within the town – agreed to form a working group to consider all options with County Hall.

While it was widely felt a volunteer-run facility would not be able to take on the lease of Canolfan Tysul and meet annual running costs of £22,000 to £28,000, there were fresh calls for the actual costs of running the library to be revealed rather than those for the building itself.

“The figures Ceredigion have given so far are for the building and not apportioned to the library,” spokesperson Lesley Parker told the Cambrian News.

See this week’s south editions for the full story, in shops now or online by clicking the Digital Editions tab at the top of the page