10:30pm Tuesday 21st April 2009
By Jon Livesey
A ROSSENDALE library looks set to miss out on a £250,000 regeneration scheme while another will get a large makeover.
Both Bacup and Whitworth libraries were included in a list of libraries to be redeveloped as part of the final phase of a countywide scheme.
However, in December a group was set up to decide which of the buildings was most in need of regeneration and capital funding.
Following discussions it has been concluded that Whitworth is the priority facility, prompting disappointment from councillors in Bacup.
Information was given to the group of county council officers and councillors on use and issues for both libraries Whitworth has around 1,000 members and 16,000 issues a year and Bacup has about 2,000 members with 37,000 issues a year.
However in a report to Lancashire Local Rossendale committee, which meets on Monday, it says the group agreed that Whitworth would benefit the most from the funding as the inside was very tired and dated.
Now Bacup looks set to miss out on the regeneration estimated at £254,000 while £246,000 will be invested in Whitworth.
Greensclough Coun James Eaton said: “I am disappointed that it’s not going to happen in Bacup, but you have to look at all aspects and if they think that is the best course of the two options then I will accept it.
“It could do with revamping. I don’t think any work has been carried out there for quite a while now.
“But it’s a well-used and large library. When I was little there used to be a separate part for the juniors.
“It has tables where people can sit down and read books or get information.”
The report recommends that Bacup should be put forward if any more funding is made available for similar schemes in the future.
In addition the group agreed that funding is set aside to do work on the exterior of Bacup library, in St James Square.
Bacup library is housed in the Mechanics Hall which is owned by Rossendale Council.
Lancashire County Council has a User Rights Agreement on the building.
In the first phase of the regeneration scheme libraries in Carnforth and Ingol, Preston, were completed.
Phase two will include nine libraries which have been approved and work is due to start soon.
Work already undertaken has resulted in an increase in members and use.
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