A WORKING group established by councillors and local residents to help secure the future of Culcheth Library is on the lookout for interested parties who could share the site as part of a “co-location” scheme.
Culcheth Library Working Group have already been approached by not-for-profit organisations who are willing to rent space within the library building. The group are now hoping to widen the net to see if any other groups and organisations would be interested in entering discussions.
Matt Smith
Cllr Matt Smith, who chairs the Working Group, said: “The Working Group in Culcheth has held a series of very successful meetings so far, providing an opportunity for local councillors, members of the community, LiveWire themselves, and other interested parties to give their input. We are working closely with the Chief Executive at the Borough Council, our MP, and library users to develop a strong business case which will secure the future of this service at the heart of our village.
“As part of this, we are delighted to have received approaches from social enterprises who have expressed a desire to share the use of the library building, and we are keen to explore this option further. The way that it would work is simple – any community-minded organisations or local businesses would be able to rent space within the building, and that money would be ploughed back into the maintenance and upkeep of the library, helping us to sustain and improve the facility for local people.”
Cllr Joan Grime said:”We want to hear from any organisations, or social enterprise who think that “co-locating” within the library building is something that they may want to consider. There would be no commitment necessary, we simply want to cast the net as far and wide as possible to see who is out there. This model has been used effectively in other libraries around the country, and provides a great opportunity for co-operation and mutual support between public services and local enterprises.”
Cllr Jan Davidson concludes:”Here in Culcheth, Glazebury and Croft, we are fortunate that our Working Group is much further advanced than many around the town. Our success so far would not have been possible without the input and contributions of local residents. As councillors, we have been delighted to work alongside them to help develop a business plan which will we hope will not only retain, but enhance, our service. We hope that local businesses and social enterprises can be a part of that too!”
Any groups, businesses or organisations who would be interested in a discussion about potentially taking part in a “co-location” model at Culcheth Library can get in touch by email to Cllr Smith at: [email protected] or by calling 07890 560 880.
1 Comment
Perhaps, as a resident and someone who has expressed such strong support for the library service, Helen Jones could relocate her office staff there instead of paying out large sums to rent the town centre premises she presently occupies. Put the money where your mouth is and where it’s needed for a change