A consultation into changes for Dartford library has now closed with results on what will happen due before Christmas.

It comes as members of the North Kent Independent Advocacy Scheme visited the library to have their voices heard.

Advocacy Scheme director Louise Flatman said: “People with learning disabilities, supported by North Kent Independent Advocacy Scheme, were at the library trying to get their voices heard regarding the changes and to ensure that their rights to be included in a public community building are taken into consideration.

“So far all the publicity has been about people not wanting the changes, for whatever reason, so we would like the other side of the argument to be heard and for people to realise that people with disabilities, especially learning disabilities, have the right to have a say, be listened to and most importantly be included in their community.

“Having spoken to members of the groups that we support, they are welcoming the proposed changes that are planned to the library and agree that changes should be sympathetic and in keeping with the history and ambience of the building, but welcome the changes so that all people will be able to enjoy and share the library.”

The proposal, costing about £450,000, recommends a general refurbishment of the library, including restoration work on the listed shelving, new furniture, new flooring that would aim to replicate the look and feel of the old parquet flooring, new public toilets and a new entrance to the museum via the library.

In order to provide facilities for those with profound and multiple learning disabilities, Kent County Council also intends to include toilets that offer additional space as well as specialist equipment.

The main concerns – originally expressed when a planning application was submitted and subsequently withdrawn – were around bookshelves being removed with the space being “transformed with more flexible, free-standing furniture”.

There were also worries about the “Good Day Programme”, which would teach independent living skills, including offering cooking classes within the library.

Consultation began on August 6 and since then residents have been commenting on the plans both online and inside the library.