ClosureNews of library opposed

from one place to another,” said Mr Mitchell.

“It’s a community facility. The irony is that that’s what the policy of the council is.

“We entirely agree that the library should be more than a book exchange but that’s more likely to happen if they leave it where it is.”

The council’s chief librarian, Carol Stump, says the 130-year-old building has passed its sell-by date.

Built and endowed in the 1870s by the philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, it is considered to be too small, not accessible and does not comply with modern disability provision.

Mrs Stump believes library services would be better served by moving to the newer, more modern site.

However opponents including local councillors say a six-week community engagement initiative is “yet another cynical false consultation” from the Labour-run administration.

Clr Alison Munro (Lib Dem) said the Carnegie Building was “the heart of the library” and that moving the service was purely “a cost-cutting exercise.”

She says that once emptied the building will be sold and could even be demolished.

She added: “If the library service is moved to the SureStart Centre it will be diluted.

“It will lose footfall. This is about fitting the library in a part of the community centre that is going to be used for adult social care.

“How will it be managed? There are going to be safeguarding issues around vulnerable people.

“There has to be a consultation if there are going to be any significant changes. The council has not consulted anyone.”

ALFA is calling another meeting in the library on Sunday, December 16, and intends to invite Mr Sheerman, Mrs Stump and senior councillor Graham Turner, who is overseeing the programme.