Some time back North East Lincolnshire Council unveiled plans for a new Grant Thorold Branch Library and the plans were originally discussed at the Planning Committee on April 8; however elected member rejected the council’s proposals.
New amended plans were recently submitted by our local council for this much needed facility; which will be in the heart of the East Marsh Ward; as well as serving the needs of the East Marsh many residents from the adjoining wards use the facility.
On Wednesday, as a new member of the Planning Committee I was able to attend the meeting and use my vote wisely – I am pleased to say the plans were approved overwhelmingly.
In the Design and Access statement our council stated that “Grant Thorold Library is the third busiest in the borough. It has annual visits of 79,000 a year, and over the last 5 years has seen an increase of 56% in visits, the highest of all libraries. It serves an area of high deprivation with low literacy and low educational attainment and high levels of anti social behaviour. The library has been successful in engaging the community in activities related to literacy, numeracy, health, informal learning, and digital skills. It has become a popular venue for partners such as health trainers, study support, adult community learning, connexions, and the police. The library has been particularly successful in providing diversionary activities for young people to support reductions in anti social behaviour.
The proposed library has been designed to fit in with the existing park environment and to tackle the issues of anti social behaviour. The green walls, fronting Durban Road and Humberstone Road, are designed to reflect the hedge that will be removed as part of this proposal. There are sufficient differences to ensure the building is noticed and noted, but not too stark a contrast that the building will stand out as a structure that should not be there… There is a mural wall within the design that will be managed and looked after by library services. Evidence shows that by involving young people in the design and implementation of a mural, changing each season that they will come to take pride in the building and help to maintain its appearance.”
At Wednesday’s meeting, I was pleased to move approval of the officer’s recommendation, and said: “This is a much needed facility, a community facility that is in the heart of a deprived community were educational attainment is low. We need to raise the aspirations of our young people and the staff and the Library work hard with young people of the area; they help to motivate the young people, build up their confidence, and assist them in their learning.
“I am sure that this building will become a community hub for all residents - not just young. It will also benefit the wider area; I am naturally speaking up for the East Marsh, but the Library is well used by the residents of the Heneage and the Sidney Sussex Wards. I hope all members will support the recommendations.”
To view the plans in full
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