Proposals to finally fit-out the multi-million pound central library in Nottingham are to be detailed 'later this month'. Fears however do remain over the future of three neighbourhood libraries which are still facing closure.
Nottingham City Council is proposing to close three public libraries as part of plans to save £233,000, including Basford Library in Vernon Road, the Radford Lenton Library in Lenton Boulevard and Aspley Library in Nuthall Road. The plans, which come as the Labour-run authority seeks to meet its legal duty and balance its books, have come under intense scrutiny.
A campaign group, called Save Nottingham Libraries, has brought together the city and even prompted two Labour councillors to go against their own party's plans. Famed city figures, including poet Henry Normal, are also standing behind the campaign to save them from closure.
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During a meeting of full council city councillors explained where the proposals currently stand.
Councillor Eunice Campbell-Clark, former portfolio holder for leisure and culture who represents Bulwell Forest, says the council will act to be "fully transparent" in its discussions over the future of the libraries. She said: "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."
It is understood a complete report will be submitted to the council's scrutiny committee in the near future. A decision is not expected to take place until the Autumn.
Despite no decision being made as of yet, some level of concern was raised over whether neighbourhood libraries could face the axe as the fit-out of the new central library soon begins. The library will be based 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?”
David Mellen, the leader of the council and Dales ward councillor, added: "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 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 unto our children's centres, our your service, and charging for services which have previously been free.
"Councillor Rule you use the word excuse. I believe that is neither appropriate or fair. No councillor on this side of the chamber wants to close libraries or children's centres or reduce our to reduce youth provision. But having to balance our budget is our legal duty."
