Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council writes open letter to Nottinghamshire County Council leader, Sam Smith, criticising the lack of funding for Ollerton regeneration

A council leader has taken aim at his county counterpart over library funding cuts in an open letter.

Paul Peacock, Labour leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, has written an open letter to Nottinghamshire County Council counterpart, Sam Smith, expressing his “frustration and disappointment” at what he perceives as the county council’s “unwillingness” to invest in the regeneration of Ollerton town centre.

Mr Peacock said the previous government allocated a Levelling Up grant towards a £21m scheme for the town’s regeneration, which would include a new cinema, new retail units, enhanced public realm and a ‘hub’ — with a new, replacement library as part of the plans.

The estimated cost of providing a new library and accommodation for the local family hub is £2.5m, Mr Peacock said, and has criticised Mr Smith for the council’s “lack of vision and imagination” by only investing half a million pounds towards the plans, which means the library plans cannot go ahead.

“The district council has bent over backwards trying to find a solution, prepared to accept a £1m capital investment or as an alternative £750,000 plus a £40,000 per annum revenue amount,” Mr Peacock said in his letter.

“Your council’s only ‘offer’ of £500,000 means that the current, old library will stay where it is — it will stand out like a sore thumb surrounded by a new development and your council will continue to invest tax payers’ money in an energy inefficient building.”

Mr Smith, leader of the Conservative-led county administration, responded to Mr Peacock with his own letter.

He said he appreciated Mr Peacock’s passion for the scheme and understood his concerns, but the county council’s decision was due to the fact that their district counterparts “had not allocated sufficient space” to accommodate the new library due to plans for a café, therefore it would not be “financially responsible” to invest taxpayers’ money into a too-small facility.

“From the outset, Nottinghamshire County Council has been actively engaged in supporting Newark and Sherwood District Council’s Levelling Up bid,” Mr Smith said.

“Our officers have worked closely with Newark and Sherwood District Council and other stakeholders to help shape the proposals, and Councillor Keith Girling, in his capacity as cabinet member for economic development and asset management, formally supported the submission.

“Since then, we have continued to collaborate with the project team, offering guidance and support as the plans have evolved.”

Mr Smith added that the county council “remains open to constructive discussions” about working together to enhance services in Ollerton.

“We are committed to ensuring that local residents continue to have access to a fit-for-purpose library, and we will explore all viable options for its long-term future,” he added.

“I hope this response clarifies our position, and I welcome further dialogue on how we can continue to support the regeneration of Ollerton in a way that benefits the entire community.”