PHIL Betts wants to set the record straight.
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The Tamworth councillor and Kootingal resident has concerns misinformation about a proposal to redevelop the memorial hall and extend the library has spooked residents.
Tamworth Regional Council (TRC) will hold a workshop on Thursday, but before that Cr Betts wanted to reassure residents that the hall itself would not be demolished for a new build.
"I totally believe the Kootingal War Memorial Hall should be preserved, but there is an opportunity to accommodate everyone and make it a community centre for the future," he said.
"That could be done by maintaining the hall and establishing a new library at the back of the hall which would be purpose-built."
A group of concerned residents recently gave TRC a petition with almost 300 signatures against the development, that would see the interior turned into an open plan library and events area.
The councillors will look at all the options at Thursday's workshop, including removing internal walls between the front and rear of the building, installation of a staff workroom at the front, bathrooms, new large windows, new library resources and a dedicated children's space.
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After the workshop, the final design will be presented to councillors at a meeting at a later date.
Cr Betts said members of the community have expressed the view that they thought the hall would be demolished, but that was never the case.
"I think we can accommodate everyone to grow together," he said.
"The public will be consulted again ... to ensure we engage as much feedback as we can to make the decision."
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