NEWCASTLE libraries were put on the at-risk list after city leaders turned down a college’s initial plan to take them over.
High Heaton and Denton Burn libraries face closure unless community groups can be brought in to run them after talks with Newcastle College broke down.
The college said it wanted to take them over, and two others now likely to avoid closure, with the strict condition that no other adult education services were offered by the council within a one-mile radius of each site.
Such a move, the council told college bosses, would simply cause further damage to other nearby services, and talks are now continuing between the two sides.
Denton Burn library is one of those set to close unless a community group can come forward.
High Heaton is said to be in more advanced talks but may still face temporary closure before community groups can take over. The college has also registered an interest in running Cruddas Park and Fenham libraries, though it is thought there are enough interested groups and firms to keep these two going even if talks break down.
Tony Durcan, director of culture, libraries and lifelong learning, said talks over the two at-risk libraries continued.
He said: “We are still in negotiations with a number of potential partners to help us make sure we can continue to run a library service from buildings that face closure. Newcastle College has contacted us with an outline proposal, but we feel this could impact on our existing adult learning facilities. It wouldn’t make sense to save one facility while risking damage to another.”
Heaton councillor Greg Stone said it was vital both sides tried to find a solution. He said: “It is difficult to believe that the council would prefer to see the library close rather than support a potentially workable proposal from the college.
“The council has a duty to fully consider if this is viable.
“The nearest adult education venue to High Heaton Library is at the Trewhitt Road centre in Heaton. By my reckoning this is exactly one mile on foot. It would be heartbreaking if this was used to justify closure.”
Last night Carole Kitching, interim principal of Newcastle College, said she was keen to have a plan in place before the June closure deadline.
Ms Kitching added: “We think we can even bring additional new services into these four facilities – including a much more exciting and varied adult education offer and build on the work of local job clubs to support unemployed people using the experience we have of getting people into jobs, training and employment and providing advice and guidance for young people. We would continue to run the services people are so passionate about such as providing school visits, homework clubs, storytelling, book clubs and internet access.”
