Public consultation on future of town's library

Ulverston Library closed following the discovery of electrical faults

People have been asked to share their views on the future of a town's library services, after a building has remained closed for almost a year.

Ulverston Library has been shut since September after electrical problems were found in the property.

Temporary pop-up library services were opened by Westmorland and Furness Council in Ulverston Market Hall and in the Ante Room at The Coro.

A consultation has been launched asking for feedback on proposals which range from the full refurbishment of the King’s Road library building to "do nothing".

In total, eight options have been considered, all with different scope and costs, the Liberal Democrat-led council said.

Its preferred option would be to invest in The Coro to allow Ulverston Library to be housed there, which had the greatest potential to meet community needs.

Proposals included the refurbishment of The Coro in Ulverston

Councillor Virginia Taylor, cabinet member for sustainable communities and localities, said: "We have looked at options including the cost of reopening King’s Road and how a permanent co-location in The Coro might work alongside and complement the venue.

"If finally approved, the preferred option would result in millions of pounds of investment in The Coro, not only to create an expanded library but also improve The Coro itself, with a new community cafe and more flexible spaces for community use."

The council's consultation closes on 23 August.

An additional survey has been released by Ulverston Town Council, asking people for their opinion on the future of the Kings Road site.

A decision will be made in September about what will happen next.

There was no update on the future of Roose Library in Barrow-in-Furness, which has also remained closed after it was badly damaged in a fire in May 2023.