Future plans to secure the continuation of library services across North East Lincolnshire have received strong recommendations from council leaders as a result of significant community engagement. In a recent public consultation devised by North East Lincolnshire Council, views were collected concerning the relocation of libraries in Cleethorpes and Grimsby and suggestions to operate Waltham Library through volunteer-led service were presented.
These proposals, while facing some resistance including a vocal protest and a petition that saw 4,800 signees and that was publicly brought forward at a full council meeting, resulted in council approval. The council’s endorsement was contingent on fiscal parameters, supporting recommendations that sought to ensure that the libraries in Cleethorpes and Waltham continued operations and that there was a reopening of the Grimsby Central Library.
Furthermore, an amendment was successfully passed within the council that establishes the formation of a select committee. The committee’s focus will be to look at the future trajectory of library services across the borough. These plans will be given more detailed attention in a meeting to be hosted by the cabinet.
The consultation, which came to a close on 9th of July, originally proposed that Cleethorpes Library should be integrated with the town’s leisure centre. This proposal also set forth ideas of Waltham Library being shifted into a community service model. During the consultation, conversations were held discussing the potential of relocating the presently closed site in Grimsby to another locality. The Grimsby site has been out of operation since March owing to issues with water leakage and asbestos, suggesting a new locale might be in order. The idea of striking an optimal balance of space within Cleethorpes and Waltham library sites and refurbishing and reopening Grimsby Central Library, hinging on cost analysis, was agreed upon as the path forward.
Hayden Dawkins, the portfolio holder for culture, heritage, and visitor economy, stressed that the decision of the council reflects the strong community sentiment. Meanwhile, Council Leader Philip Jackson acknowledged that support for the petition was around three times larger than the public consultation turnout, indicating a robust inclination of the community in North East Lincolnshire towards this issue.
The Lincoln Post adapted this story from original reporting by the BBC.
