Council looks to rebuild arson-hit library

Roose Library in Barrow was badly damaged in a fire in May 2023

A council is working on designs for a new library to replace one destroyed in an arson attack.

Roose Library in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, was forced to close in May 2023 after flames ripped through the building.

A temporary library was opened for locals to use, but Westmorland and Furness Council said it was now looking at options to build a replacement on the original site.

The Liberal Democrat-led authority said the nature of the fire and negotiations with its insurance firm where among the reasons why replacing the library was taking so long.

A spokesperson said once the insurance payout was finalised it would be factored into how much could be spent on developing the site.

"This will allow the council to have a clear understanding of the likely costs of different options," they said.

The council is planning to build a replacement library on the original site

After opening the temporary library at Barrow Park, the council engaged with the community in Roose on a permanent replacement and received feedback from about 300 people.

It said it would continue to consult with the community on design options.

"We very much recognise the importance of access to library facilities and appreciate this is taking some time to resolve," the council said.

"The agreement to develop costed design options for a library facility on the Roose site is a positive step forward to ensuring we get the best and most sustainable outcome for library services in Roose.''

Following the fire, two boys were arrested by Cumbria Police on suspicion of arson but no charges were ever brought.

The force said the decision not to take action against them was "based on the evidence available at the time".