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| Grimsby Central Library - its reopening hinges on how much repairs will cost |
HOPE springs anew for the future of the library service in North East Lincolnshire.
Although a dark cloud still looms over the fate of the asbestos-riddled central library in Grimsby, it looks like the authority will scrap the option of downgrading its counterparts in Cleethorpes and Waltham.
The re-think by NELC's cabinet comes in response to a Save our Libraries petition which attracted an unprecedented number of signatures - more than 4,700 - in a matter of weeks.
At last night's meeting of the full North East Lincolnshire Council, the authority's Conservative leader, Cllr Philip Jackson declared: "We have listened to the electorate."
Earlier, his colleague, Cllr Hayden Dawkins, who is portfolio holder for culture and heritage, proposed a motion which was backed by the council and will now go to the next cabinet meeting to be rubber-stamped.
It states:
* Cleethorpes Library remains open and initiatives to better utilise the available space and facilities will be pursued;
* Waltham Library remains open and initiatives to better utilise the available space and facilities will be pursued;
*In principle, the current Grimsby Central Library will reopen subject to confirmation of the options and costs for refurbishment on which there will be full and transparent engagement.
During the temporary closure of Grimsby Library, a 'pop-up' facility will be provided in Freshney Place,
Although these arrangements are subject to the outcome - to be published shortly - of a recent public consultation exercise, they are almost certain to be adopted.
That means Cleethorpes will not be relocated to the leisure centre and that Waltham Library will continue to be managed by professionals rather than by volunteers.
However, although the stated intention is for Grimsby Library to reopen following extensive repairs and refurbishment, this may not happen if the costs are deemed prohibitive.
During last night's meeting, Independent member Cllr Paul Henderson proposed that the council should set up both a libraries board and a committee of inquiry, but this garnered little support.
Instead, the council approved a proposal by Labour member Cllr Karl Wilson for the setting up of a select committee with a wide-ranging brief - for instance, to explore best libraries practice at other local authorities and why those in North East Lincolnshire have been allowed to fall structural and maintenance decline.
It may also explore the mysterious circumstances by which a Whitehall grant of £4.2-million to repair the central library - and reopen its upper floors - was reallocated to the Freshney Place leisure scheme (described by Cllr Henderson as a "vanity project").
Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Dawkins said he and his cabinet colleagues fully understood the strength of feeling within the community, including those views expressed in the petition.
He commented: "I insist it was always our intention to be open-minded and transparent in our drive to improve the services and ensure the libraries become vibrant and well-used community spaces for all ages.
"We are therefore more than happy to look again, and to make these new recommendations.
"This is about listening to the people and working with our communities to achieve positive change."
Meanwhile, one of the Save our Libraries campaigners, Angela Greenfield, has expressed optimism in the wake of yesterday's full council meeting
"While, it is too early to declare victory, it is certainly a step in the right direction.
"Hopefully, we will see all three of our libraries protected and future-proofed and our beloved central library building fully operational in the not too distant future."
She continued: "There is of course still the big hurdle of the cost of the essential repairs and renovation, but at least there is now hope.
"Thank you to everyone, including councillors, who have supported the campaign."
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