Impossible to read when libraries will really open

THERE is an old maxim always worth taking note of, namely giving credit where credit is due. So with that in mind it is good to read (July 13) of the comprehensive plans Lincs Inspire have to open the leisure facilities under their control, which have been shut since March thanks to the coronavirus.

Alas, I wish I could be more positive about the four libraries that remain part of the Lincs Inspire set up (Grimsby, Immingham, Cleethorpes and Waltham), and are not run by North East Lincolnshire Council as some who’ve approached me recently have erroneously thought.

These buildings were permitted to open on July 4, but so far have only ran a drop off/ collect service on a very limited basis. No one is allowed in the library to browse the shelves, while operations are just in business either two or three days a week, and for merely two/three hours at a time. What’s more unlike with leisure centres, there is no detailed timetable for when we can expect the libraries to resume as near as possible to a normal service (including the use of computers for those who don’t have internet access at home), albeit under social distancing conditions.

The front-line staff of course don’t decide what is going on, which is of course up to senior management. But given that the Bradley Football Development Centre opened on July 13, it is clear what their priorities are. And I for one certainly don’t share them!

Tim Mickleburgh, Boulevard Avenue, Grimsby.