LONG-awaited plans to redevelop “eyesore” derelict shops in Colley Gate could include a new library, it was revealed today.

The proposal – which would see the demolition of the old Colley Lane library – has been drawn up by Hortons’ Estate and Antringham Developers Ltd who have agreed to take the shops’ site.

The release of the names of the Birmingham-based developers today follows months of negotiations with Dudley Council, the owner of the Nisa store and the two owners of the parade of shops, most of which are derelict.

Cradley councillor Tim Crumpton, who is chairman of the Friends of Cradley Library, said the relocation of the aged library, which is costly to maintain, could protect its future and increase usage.

It is hoped the floor area will be bigger than the existing library and the modern premises would be better suited to today’s demands for computer and wi-fi technology.

In a joint statement Cllr Crumpton and fellow ward councillors Gaye Partridge and Richard Body said: “At last, we have a serious proposal which we can put to local residents for their views.

“We want to thank the officers of the council and Cradley people, including members of the Cradley Action Group and others, who have been campaigning for the area to be developed for a number of years. “The plans include an option to replace the current library in the new development as long as this is affordable.

“We believe this could increase library usage which is currently one of the lowest in the borough and it would make access to the library easier, particularly for anyone with restricted mobility or using a pushchair.

“We know this will be a bit of a shock, as it was for the three of us, but we believe it is in the interests of the people of Cradley.

“We also want people to know that we are currently exploring this development and it is not a ‘done deal’, no contracts have been signed, no decisions have been made and this is all at a very early stage with a huge amount of work still to be done, if the proposal does go ahead.”

As already outlined, the development would include a supermarket and two units, for the existing Modi pharmacy and Golden Cup takeaway, with the previously described “community asset” being a library.

The old library site could then be used for housing – possibly social housing.

The developers will be attending tomorrow’s meeting of the Cradley Action Group, at The Laurels, Windmill Hill, at 6.30pm where initial drawings will be unveiled.

The councillors added: “We want to hear people’s views about this proposal, so we are arranging for copies of the plans to be displayed at Cradley Library in Colley Lane and will be holding a special Cradley Forum meeting in mid July where far more information will be made available.

“We are also available online, by phone and will have special forms available at the library and other local venues.”

Contact details for all the councillors are available on the Dudley Council website.