Libraries' future secured under recommended plans

Grimsby Central Library has been closed since March

The future of three libraries will be secured under plans recommended to council bosses.

A North East Lincolnshire Council consultation asked the public for its views on relocating the libraries in Cleethorpes and Grimsby and making Waltham a volunteer-led service.

The proposals were met with opposition, including a protest and a 4,800-strong petition, which was handed to the full council meeting on Thursday.

Councillors approved recommendations to cabinet that would keep both Cleethorpes and Waltham libraries open and reopen the currently closed Grimsby Central Library, subject to costs.

It also passed an amendment to create a select committee to explore the future of the library service in the borough.

The plans will be further considered by cabinet at a future meeting.

'Strength of feeling'

The consultation, which ended on 9 July, suggested moving Cleethorpes Library to the town's leisure centre and making Waltham Library a community service.

It also considered relocating the Grimsby site, which has been closed since March due to a water leak and asbestos concerns, to an unspecified location.

Councillors passed resolutions to better utilise the space at the sites in Cleethorpes and Waltham and to reopen the Grimsby building subject to options and costs for refurbishment.

Hayden Dawkins, portfolio holder for culture, heritage and visitor economy, said the council's decision reflected the "strength of feeling within the community".

Council leader Philip Jackson added: "Roughly three times as many people signed the petition as actually took part in the public consultation. Therefore, we are listening to what the people of North East Lincolnshire are saying via the petition."

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