£2.8m library overdue (From Stourbridge News)

£2.8m library overdue

Work on Blackheath's new state-of-the-art eco library is progressing "very slowly" traders have been informed.

The £2.8m library, which is to be located at the top of High Street, was set to start in April after tenders for a contractor went out in November.

However since planning permission was granted by Sandwell council in May 2007, very little has been achieved.

Speaking at a meeting of Blackheath Business and Community Association, Bob Gregory, from Black Country Housing Group, which is working in partnership with the council on the project, told traders: "It is important to get some movement with this.

"The project has been going on for years but is moving very slowly.

"Planning permission is all we have achieved in that time."

However the project is still being overshadowed by the relocation of Neville Gee's hair salon and the Salvation Army charity shop, who are being moved to make way for the new build, because as yet they have nowhere to go.

Bob, said: "It is not for the want of trying, we have looked at more than 14 places for them to relocate to.

"We are continuing to search for freehold properties in the High Street to provide accommodation for Neville and the Salvation Army."

The new glass-fronted library, which will also include office space for Black Country Housing Group, will feature many green technologies, including low energy lighting, solar water heating, water recycling and wind turbines.