Library plan may be shelved
HOPES of moving Bourne's library service into the town hall could hit a stumbling block if magistrates refuse to relinquish their lease.
Bourne Town Council and South Kesteven District Council are holding talks to create a "one-stop shop" when a raft of services could be housed under the town hall roof.
Residents could be visiting the hall, which is owned by Lincolnshire County Council, to speak to the district council's customer services team or to take out a book if the plans come off.
The county council is considering relocating the library from its South Street site and the registrar could move from West Street into the town hall.
But district councillor Ray Auger (Con), who is the access and engagement portfolioholder, says that a fly in the ointment might lie with South Lincolnshire Magistrates' Service.
Speaking at Bourne Area Local Forum on Tuesday, Coun Auger, said: "At the present moment a potential difficulty is the magistrates' court.
"The magistrates have a long lease on a certain room and facilities. They have agreed to release terms of the lease but not quite yet released their total hold on it."
Coun Auger said talks were being held with the service, which is using the site as a teaching facility for Leicester University students.
He also stressed the proposal was in an early stage.
The one-stop shop design, which includes a lift, could see the library on the ground floor along with private meeting rooms. Upstairs could house computers and a meeting area for the town council.
Thurlby parish councillor Robert Rose said he hoped that this would be a one-stop shop but that he would prefer the library to be located into the town centre area due to be redeveloped as part of a 27m scheme.
No-one from South Lincolnshire Magistrates' Service was available for comment.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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