A VILLAGE library will be relocated without consultation, with its former building replaced with a fast food takeaway.

A planning application to turn Silver End Library in The Broadway into a takeaway cafe or a restaurant was submitted by Shan Subramaniyam on August 9.

However, members of the public only found out about the move when a notice was stuck up outside saying the building was available to rent.

Cllr James Abbott said: “I have been told the library is going into the village hall. We were aware of the lease issue and it was very unsatisfactory the way that we found out.

“If they are still looking at a site then that’s a bit of a concern, but there has been a complete lack of consultation.

“I would be interested to know where it’s going to go as space in the village is at a premium.

“I think so long as the new provision is just as good as the existing, it could be OK but the authorities should have been talking to local councillors and the community first – many of us only knew about what they were planning when adverts started appearing marketing the existing unit.”

The library is open for 12 hours a week on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings.

It offers use of the internet, photocopying, book talk, audiobooks and is a meeting space for a number of groups.

County councillor Anne Brown, responsible for corporate, communities and customers, said: “The lease on the building is coming to an end at the end of next month and we are currently finalising details on where in the village we will be relocating to.

“Once this is confirmed we will be working with library users and local activity groups to ensure they are aware of the move.”

If successful, the change of use would see the new business open from 7am to 10pm Monday to Saturday and noon to 9pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays.