Lytham library plan launched by friends group

A group lobbying for the reopening of Lytham library hopes its campaign has taken a major step forward.
Lytham Library has been closed since September 2016Lytham Library has been closed since September 2016
Lytham Library has been closed since September 2016
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The Friends of Lytham Library and Institute have submitted a business plan for the building’s future to Lancashire County Council.

The group wants to see the library back in its traditional home, more than 18 months after it was closed by the previous Labour regime at County Hall.

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The Friends suggest four uses for the building, owned by Fylde Council – library, community, commercial and further local authority space.

The aim, they say, is ‘to harness the expertise of both the borough and county authorities and, together with the passion and enthusiasm of our many supporters, reinstate the Institute at the very centre of community life in Lytham’.

Friends chairman Chris Marshall said: “We’ve worked hard to put the plans together in consultation with members of the public.

“We are sincerely hoping the County Council will see fit to restore the library into the Institute.

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“What all the residents of Lytham want to see is their wonderful facilities back up and running.”

Fylde MP Mark Menzies has given the Friends group his full backing, and has provided support for the project.

He said: “The Institute is the only real option for the library to return to Lytham.”

The document will be considered by the County Council’s Cabinet on a date yet to be set.

Closures

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A total of 26 of the council’s original 73 libraries were closed in 2016 as part of cost-cutting measures.

However, the following year the incoming Tory administration at County Hall announced plans to reopen a number of the sites.

Since then a number of libraries have reopened, including Freckleton and Thornton.

Last month the council also announced a shake-up of library working hours which will see the facilities open for longer in total.