LIBRARY users in Minehead have voted with their pens against a proposal to relocate the facility half a mile from its current site to the town's seafront. Members of the campaigning group DIRECT say at least 1,300 people have signed a petition launched to oppose plans to build a £1 million new library as part of the controversial key sites development. Campaigners mounted a display in Wellington Square last Saturday, which according to co- ordinator Arthur Phillips received an "astounding" response from the public. "Some 1,300 signatures have been collected in just a few days, almost all of them from library users opposed to the move," said Mr Phillips. "In fact, around 97 per cent of those residents surveyed as they were entering or leaving the library in Bancks Street didn't want it to move." Mr Phillips said the strength of feeling was more than apparent. When it has been collated, the petition will be forwarded to Somerset County Council. Last week, the council told the Free Press that it had carried out a survey of users with regard to the existing premises and would be linking with West Somerset District Council on further consultation as part of the overall key sites development. But Mr Phillips said it beggared belief that county councillors representing Minehead appeared to be ploughing on with the plans regardless of the wishes of the residents who use the library. "It is not that anyone is opposed to investment in the library and its resources. "Of course it would be wonderful if the county would contribute to improving the facilities. "But people do not feel that such funding should be held hostage, only to be given if the library is moved out of the town centre. "There are many other options which could be considered and which would probably cost a fraction of the £1m price tag which the current proposals exhibit." Campaigners say many people favour a move to extend the current site upwards, possibly with a second floor, or to move the library into the old town hall. "When it comes down to it, massive investment in the wrong location against the wishes of the public is a pretty negligent waste of money," said Mr Phillips. "Spend the money but make sure it is spent wisely and invested where it can bring the most benefit to the most people - not just where it might fit with and promote plans for new council offices." DIRECT chairman Graham Sizer claimed he had been told by district council officers that the money for the new library had been put aside by the county and that the investment would happen regardless of the other developments planned for Vulcan Road. "If this is the case then it seems inexplicable that the county would not be prepared to invest the money in a more central site which would suit the needs of the library users," said Mr Sizer. l Pictured at Saturday's display are Mr Phillips, Ian Galloway and Mr Sizer. Photo: Steve Guscott.