A public outcry over possible library closures in Warrington has resulted in a special working group being tasked with developing a sustainable future for the borough’s libraries.
The council’s executive board has approved the establishment of the group, which will define a new libraries and community learning strategy for Warrington.
The group, which will meet in public, will be chaired by council Chief Executive, Professor Steven Broomhead and has now announced its ‘terms of reference’ – or purpose and aims.
Made up of two council officers, three LiveWire Warrington officers and two independent advisors, the group’s main priority will be to implement a modernisation programme aimed at ensuring a sustainable libraries offer for Warrington residents.
Its objectives include looking closely at the recommendations received, following the recent consultation on the future of the library service, run by LiveWire on behalf of the council. This followed calls for LiveWire to find £300,000 worth of savings from their budget to run the libraries.
The group will develop robust business cases and options as well as carrying out needs and impact assessments for each of the proposals. An engagement and communications plan will also be developed, to ensure library users have the opportunity to help shape the plans.
The council’s executive board member for culture, leisure and community, Cllr Tony Higgins, said: “The significant public feedback we received during our consultation has shown us how passionate people are about the future of library services in Warrington. That’s why it’s vital that we examine all of the options very carefully, to make sure we get it right. The Working Group will help us achieve this.
“There are real challenges ahead. While it’s crucial that we modernise our libraries service in order to make it sustainable for generations to come, we are faced with huge government cuts which are impacting on all of our services . This Working Group is the next step forward in negotiating these challenges and finding the best solutions for our libraries, working with our partners and communities.”
The group will, initially, meet every three weeks. Meetings will be held in public – except for when discussing information considered confidential under Access to Information Rules. Meeting papers will be published on the council’s website.
A full set of recommendations will be presented by the group, for consideration by Warrington Borough Council’s Executive Board, later this year.
Cllr Tony Higgins
