Details due soon on plans to fit out central library
FEARS OVER 3 NEIGHBOURHOOD LIBRARIES
PROPOSALS to finally fit out the multi-million-pound new central library in Nottingham are to be unveiled before the end of the month.
But fears still remain over the future of three neighbourhood libraries facing closure.
Nottingham City Council is proposing to close the three libraries – Basford Library in Vernon Road, the Radford Lenton Library in Lenton Boulevard and Aspley Library in Nuthall Road – as part of plans to save £233,000.
The plans, which came about as the Labour-run authority sought to meet its legal duty to balance its books, have come under intense scrutiny.
A campaign group, called Save Nottingham Libraries, has brought together people across the city and even prompted two Labour councillors to turn against their party’s plans.
Well-known city figures, including poet and TV scriptwriter Henry Normal, are also standing behind the campaign.
During a full city council meeting, councillors explained where the proposals currently stand.
Councillor Eunice Campbellclark, former portfolio holder for leisure and culture, who represents Bulwell Forest, says the council would act to be “fully transparent” in its discussions over the future of the libraries.
She added: “We have received in total 2,807 individual consultation submissions. In terms of the next steps we are now going through all the responses received to ensure we have a clear understanding of the numerous points being raised.” A complete report should be submitted to the council’s scrutiny committee soon. A decision is not expected to be made until the autumn. Despite the fact no decision has yet been made, concern was raised over whether more neighbourhood libraries could face the axe as the fitout of the new central library soon begins.
The library will be at the new Broad Marsh Car Park and Bus Station, the latter of which also remains unfinished.
An additional £10m was needed to complete the fit-out but the council is now hoping no additional costs will arise. Conservative councillor Andrew Rule, for Clifton West, said: “Can the leader of the council provide an undertaking that when the fit-out of the central library building is eventually completed, it will not be used as an excuse for further reducing neighbourhood libraries following the recent budget proposals to close three neighbourhood libraries in the city?”
Councillor David Mellen, the leader of the council, said: “I want to reiterate the delivery of a new central library remains a priority for the council and its development remains a key part of the city council’s capital programme.
“To this end I am pleased to announce that I will be bringing a report to the executive board later this month following the market testing of the construction prices to the scheme, proposing the starting of the work to fit out the library building which was recently completed on the corner of Collin Street and Carrington Street.
“Provision has already been made within the council’s medium-term financial plan and it is not anticipated it will raise any further issues or pressures for the library service.
“Councillor Rule will be aware we have just completed a comprehensive consultation about our future library provision, the submissions for which are being reviewed and carefully considered. I recognise the importance of needing to maintain a network of neighbourhood libraries alongside the replacement central library and will be working to ensure this network remains.
“Labour councillors have put forward closure proposals as part of our need to balance our budgets. Sadly, the proposals for libraries accompany savings to be made to our children’s centres, and charging for services which have previously been free.
“Councillor Rule, you use the word ‘excuse.’ I believe that is neither appropriate nor fair. No councillor on this side of the chamber wants to close libraries or children’s centres or reduce youth provision. But having to balance our budget is our legal duty.”
I recognise the importance of needing to maintain a network of neighbourhood libraries
David Mellen