RESIDENTS have just a few days left to have their say on new plans to revamp Bridgwater Library and ‘reclaim’ Blake Gardens.

Somerset Libraries, Somerset County Council and Sedgemoor District Council are putting forward a joint scheme with early ideas for the library which include creating a gallery and meeting area, a new cafe backing onto Blake Gardens, an ‘innovation suite’, having a new interactive ‘digital table’ and creating an area aimed at young people and teenagers, which could potentially include virtual reality headsets and social gaming areas.

Plans for the library and Blake Gardens are aimed at reducing social isolation and providing activities, events and facilities for families and the wider community. 

A display is now on show in Bridgwater Library with questionnaires available to fill in until Saturday, July 21.

The plans are subject to a funding bid and, if successful, the project should be complete by the end of 2019.

This week the library also celebrated the success of a Library Takeover project which has worked with people with learning disabilities to see how it could be more inclusive.

The project includes creating a documentary with the help of Phil Shepherd, at Somerset Film, and an art project with the help of artist Colin Higginson.

Liz Ashwell, who works at the library, said one of the most successful aspects of the programme had seen participants volunteering at the library.

“I think they have really enjoyed helping out here at the library and we have enjoyed having them,” Mrs Caldwell said.

“We have already added colour panels to the ends of some of the bookshelves to help make the place look more colourful.”