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Fears for the future of our town library
Jan 26, 2012
Concerns have been raised about plans to hand Barnard Castle Library to a charitable trust as part of a major shake-up in council services.
Teesdale Leisure Centre and Middleton Outdoor Centre could also be outsourced under proposals announced by Durham County Council.
The plans have been described as “a worrying move”.
Kim Harding, a trustee of the charity the Friends of Barnard Castle Library, said: “I think it is unimpressive and concerning if the council is absolving itself of its duty to provide libraries.
“With no details of where the finances are coming from – it’s a concern that they could be putting the library at risk.”
There are fears that if the charitable trust isn’t able to raise funds, services could be affected.
County councillor Richard Bell added: “I’ve not heard of any other local authorities trying this before. Is the council washing its hands of libraries?”
But he said he is “comfortable” with the transfer of leisure centres, a model he said has been proven to work in other areas.
The authority this week outlined plans to transfer dozens of its assets across the county to a ‘Non Profit Distributing Organisation’ (NPDO).
The council’s cabinet will be asked to approve “in principle” the transfer of 39 libraries, and 15 leisure centres, as well as theatres, museums and other taxpayer-funded services, when it meets next week. The council is considering the move as part of plans to save £145.8million.
“In these difficult times the status quo is almost certainly unsustainable and a trust like this could prove the best way to protect
and even improve these services,” said cabinet member Cllr Maria Plews.
“In-depth research will ensure we follow a tried and tested line which will deliver the best service for residents and the financial savings we have no choice but to make.”
An NPDO would have trustees and a management board but the council would retain ownership of the buildings and assets and “influence” over services.
The council said the move could save more than £1m a year, and open up access to funding sources and investment.
The council recently announced plans to give Barnard Castle Library a £285,000 facelift as part of a scheme to create a new council office and customer access point.