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Friday, 21 March 2014 (3049953) |
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Anger over plans to demolish former library |
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by Ollie Cowan |
SEFTON Council have given notice of their intentions to demolish the former Churchtown Library.
The former library on Mill Lane was closed by the council last year as part of borough cuts which also saw nearby Birkdale and Ainsdale Libraries closed down.
The council now want to carry out a full demolition of the Library down to slab level including removal of front
ramps, removal and back filling of basement boiler house and stairs, removal of all asbestos, capping
of drains.
Works are expected to be completed in four weeks.
Sefton Council's Health and Wellbeing department has made an application to Sefton Planning for a determination as to whether the prior approval of the authority will be required to the method of proposed demolition and restoration of the site.
If proposals are given the green light, work could start as soon as Monday April 7.
A spokesperson for Sefton Council said: “The building is suprlus to Council requirements ans is a risk due to the extensive use of asbestos in it's construction.
”We plan to demolish the building to slab level, have all drains capped and remove all demolition waste from the site.
“The asbestos will be removed in a special asbestos skip and taken to a licensed site whil;st all other waste will be removed to various recycling yards.”
However the plans have been slammed by Meols Ward Councillor Nigel Ashton, who says the council are ashamed of having the empty library as a constant reminder of their decision to cut the service.
He told The Champion: “Sefton are spending £70,000 to demolish the library - ironically more than the cost it would take to keep it open on a community run basis.
”The Ainsdale, Birkdale and Churchtown action group (ABC) came up with a business proposal to keep the three libraries running on a reduced volunteer community basis.
“The plans meant we could run Churchtown for £43,000 a year but our proposals were knocked back at every stage.
”It's just crazy - in my opinion having the building there is causing the council embarrassment to them - hence why they want to demolish it.“
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