Coun Hayden Dawkins, the portfolio holder for culture, heritage and visitor economy at North East Lincolnshire Council, spoke at the recent full council meeting at Grimsby Town Hall on the issue of the area’s libraries. Accepting a public petition, here is his speech in full:
When I first started in this role, it was apparent that library services have been declining for a few years so I wanted to find out what we could do better to encourage people to use the library services and the library buildings, hence the public consultation which has just finished.
It is fair to say that the Grimsby Central Library has not been properly maintained for probably the last 25 years. In every interview I have undertaken regarding the Central Library, I have given an assurance that the building will remain a council asset and nothing has changed. That is still the case. I am committed to North East Lincolnshire having library services but I want to enhance them. I do not want to see them decline any further.
In view of the current situation with Grimsby Central Library, we had no choice but to look for a temporary location – and that is happening. We cannot sit back and just wait for the Central Library building to be repaired. This approach was agreed at Scrutiny two weeks ago. I wish to repeat what I said at that meeting: this is a temporary solution to enable us to offer library facilities in Grimsby town centre.
Therefore, I move the following. This administration is fully aware of its statutory responsibilities in relation to library service provision. The strength of feeling generated by this issue is fully understood and the level of public engagement is welcomed. Subject to an urgent and comprehensive analysis of the results of the recent Library & Archive Review Phase Two public consultation, and in recognition of this petition, it is recommended to Cabinet that:
• Cleethorpes Library remains open and initiatives to 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 cost for refurbishment, on which there will be a full and transparent public 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.
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