WESTBROOK Library is to remain open for at least the next two years as Warrington Borough Council announced revised plans for the future of its library services, following an extensive six-week public consultation period.
The updated proposals, which aim to ensure the sustainability of core library services amidst significant budget challenges, reflect substantial public feedback and include plans to keep Westbrook Library open as a reduced, unstaffed library provision.
In March, the council presented its initial proposals for a tiered system for Warrington’s libraries and the closure of Westbrook Library as part of the wider efforts to address a £30.4m savings target for the 2025/26 financial year.
A six-week public consultation ran from late March until May, including a range of drop-in events at libraries across the borough. More than 2,000 responses were received during the consultation period, including a campaign by users of Westbrook Library to keep it open.
The council has responded to this with revised plans for the borough’s library services, which will see:
• Plans for the tiered library system – which received a generally positive public response – moving forward, with adaptations made to staffing models, self-access to services, and partnership working, in response to concerns raised by local people during the consultation.
• Westbrook Library remaining open. Over a two-year period, the council will work to develop a self-funded alternative offer for the venue as a library and community centre. This model will see Westbrook operate as a reduced, unstaffed library provision, similar to other libraries categorised as ‘Tier 4’ within the new tiered system.
As part of the plans for Westbrook, the council’s community management team will coordinate with other services and the Friends of Westbrook Library to deliver neighbourhood activities, facilitate community space hire, and foster stronger partnerships. The intention is for this model to generate income to cover operational costs, aiming for the library to be self-funded by the end of the two-year period.
Cllr Jean Flaherty, deputy council leader and cabinet member for communities, culture and leisure, said: “Like many other councils, we are having to make some really difficult decisions about the services and facilities we provide – including libraries. However, we recognise the importance of libraries to our communities, and that’s why it’s crucial we listen to the views of local people.
“We’ve absolutely done that during this consultation, carefully considering the views and concerns raised by individuals and group representatives. We believe these revised plans reflect that, delivering good solutions for our communities which respond to their needs.
“A large number of people passionately expressed how much they value Westbrook Library and that its loss would be keenly felt, not least as a key venue for local groups and clubs in the area. We’ve responded to this with an alternative operating model for the facility, which would see it develop a self-funded alternative offer as a library and community centre.
“All in all, we believe these proposals – which take on board the views of the community – are the right ones, maintaining our commitment to deliver a library service that remains relevant and sustainable, while enabling us to make the savings we need.”
How does the tiered library system work?
• Tier 1: Central Library, Warrington Town Centre: A comprehensive library offer will be available at least five days a week, staffed by paid library staff, offering a wide range of resources, public PCs, and a diverse programme of activities.
• Tier 2: Community Libraries (Burtonwood, Padgate, and Penketh): Open at least five days a week, and staffed by paid library staff with a range of activities, (potentially with partner service integration in designated spaces)
• Tier 3: Community Supported Libraries (Culcheth, Lymm, and Stockton Heath): Resources will be available at least five days a week, staffed by paid library staff for at least 19 hours per week, with self-service operation outside of staffed hours.
• Tier 4: Co-located Hub Libraries (Bewsey & Dallam, Birchwood, Great Sankey, Orford, Woolston and Westbrook): Core book loan and free computer access will be available seven days a week, with self-service supported by trained leisure staff. The exception to this will be Orford Hub, which will be supported by paid library staff. Future consideration will be given to reconfiguring library spaces.
• Tier 5: Outreach, Home Library, and ‘Read to Me’ Volunteers: There will be an expansion of outreach services to support community access across all libraries.
The proposals will be reviewed by the council’s Building Stronger Communities committee on Wednesday 2 July. If approved, the next step will be the start of consultation with staff and trade unions on the proposed changes to the structure of the library team.
For more information, please visit warrington.gov.uk/warrington-libraries-public-consultation
1 Comment
The Tier 4 proposals are for ineffective libraries and remain unnacceptable.