Hopes lifted as library team prepare for talks

Volunteers hoping to take over a library closed as part of sweeping cuts are hoping to discuss their plans with County Hall bosses in the coming days.
Thornton Library                                                                               Image:GoogleThornton Library                                                                               Image:Google
Thornton Library Image:Google

In the autumn Thornton Gala Committee submitted detailed plans to re-open the town’s library.

The building has been closed since October when Lancashire County Council transfered services to Poulton and Fleetwood.

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Community groups were invited to submit takeover plans for each of the 29 properties across Lancashire.

Coun Andrea Kay supported the team in Thornton with their bid and also helped community interest company UR Potential put together a proposal to take over Cleveleys library.

She has confirmed County Hall bosses are now ready to discuss the proposals.

Coun Kay said: “After what seems like months we have some movement. They have opened up the documents and we are hoping there will be a meeting very soon.

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“It is good to see the process finally moving and hopefully we will have a decision sooner rather than later.

“The team did such a lot of work on their bid, now they will get a chance to go through the final detail.”

The Gazette understands there was a delay in the review process on the Thornton bid as County Hall staff were unable to open vital documents.

Coun David Borrow, Deputy Leader of Lancashire County Council is in charge of the bidding process.

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He has made clear the sale of buildings is the option of last resort and says every bid will be considered on its own merits.

A number of community groups are understood to be lined up to use Thornton Library should it re-open.