New library plan set to move forward

The words of the Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, Cllr Philip Jackson, after a meeting of last night’s Full Council voted to approve new recommendations to Cabinet to secure the future of Cleethorpes and Waltham Libraries, and to re-open the main Grimsby Central Library building, subject to options and costs for its refurbishment.

The following four proposals, put forward by the Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and the Visitor Economy Cllr Hayden Dawkins, will now be discussed and voted on by the next Cabinet meeting of the council. These proposals are also subject to an urgent and comprehensive analysis of the results of the recent Library & Archive Review Phase 2 public consultation:

• Cleethorpes Library remains open and initiatives to better utilise the available space and facilities are pursued;
• Waltham Library remains open and initiatives to better utilise the available space and facilities are pursued;
• In principle, the current Grimsby Central Library is reopened 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 Central Library, a pop-up facility be provided in Freshney Place to ensure the Council provides an alternative service location in Grimsby for residents within this period.

A petition, supported by more than 4,700 residents was presented to the Council meeting.

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Dawkins said this move proved how he and his fellow Cabinet members fully understood the strength of feeling within the community, including those views included in the petition.

Cllr Dawkins echoed the words of Cllr Jackson, saying: “I wish to make it very clear how, throughout the consultation on possible changes to the library service, 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.

“It has been made very clear that people want to ensure changes are made within the existing library buildings. 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,” he added.

At the Full Council meeting an amendment was also supported, which was to establish a select committee to consider the developments of the library service going forward.