Cabinet agrees to Waltham and Cleethorpes libraries staying put

IT is “very clear” people want libraries in North East Lincolnshire to stay where they are now, a senior councillor has acknowledged.

- By IVAN MORRIS POXTON

The council's cabinet accepted the findings of the second-stage consultation of its libraries and archive service, including recommendations to keep Cleethorpes and Waltham libraries where they are.

They also approved, in principle, reopening Grimsby Central Library building. This is subject to confirmation of refurbishment options and costs. It has been closed since March 28.

A scrutiny panel earlier this month made several recommendations over the libraries’ situation.

These included requesting a timeline for when survey works would be completed on Grimsby Central Library building. Panel members expressed disappointment to not already have an idea of refurbishment options and costs.

The council's cabinet agreed to Cleethorpes and Waltham libraries staying put, and to in principle reopen Grimsby Central Library building.

The cabinet also approved the following recommendations:

To get a timeline for the presentation of the options and costs for refurbishment of Grimsby Central Library. Once the cabinet can commit to it with a degree of confidence, it will be shared with economy, culture and tourism scrutiny panel members.