Grimsby Central Library set for further closure period after new asbestos worries emerge

                                                           

Grimsby Central Library - 'iconic building' but expensive to maintain

Grimsby's Central Library is set to close . .  . again!

Two years ago, it shut its doors to the public for six months to allow asbestos remediation work to take place.

Now it has emerged that another period of temporary closure looms after  checks revealed further issues - once again with asbestos but also with outdated electrical wiring.

At this week's meeting of North East Lincolnshire Council's tourism and visitor economy panel, Cllr Tim Mickleburgh, one of the library's most loyal users, expressed exasperation.

"Don't close off its services completely," he urged. "I use the computers regularly, and it is somewhere I can get my colour photographs printed off.  

"The library is invaluable for people searching for jobs online and seeking to print off their applications.

"They might not be able to afford the £4 round trip on a bus to go to Cleethorpes Library instead.

"People are struggling financially. Could we not find a local community centre which might be able to help?"

North East Lincolnshire Council's investment and growth manager, Damien Jaines-White,  acknowledged the concerns but insisted: "The electricity and asbestos challenges need to be dealt with.

"Every penny spent on a temporary facility is a penny less to refurbish the building."

During the same discussion, Cllr Malcolm Morland expressed concern at plans for the top two storeys of the library building - empty  for 10 years - to be allocated to a 'green skills' training organisation.

He strongly urged retention of the upper storeys for community use but, failing that, insisted that the authority should  charge a rent to any commercial user.

Cllr Paul Henderson expressed concern that precious local history archives - and their back-up - could be destroyed in the event of flooding of the basement where they are stored.

He went on to described the library as an "iconic building and an  important civic amenity".

He stated: "It is a great civic utility, but we need to formulate a proper strategy.

"We should see it not as a cost but as a lever for economic growth."

The future of the central library is likely to come up for discussion at further meetings in the New Year.