Next chapter for library as group handed control

A community group that saved a library 12 years ago will now get to oversee its future for the next 35 years, Hull City Council has said.

Volunteers took over the running of Anlaby Park Community Library when it was due to shut in 2013 due to budget cuts by the council.

The authority has now approved the library for a 35-year Community Asset Transfer (CAT) to "ensure its long-term viability as a community-focused hub".

Steve Ashton, chair of Anlaby Park Community Library trustees, said: "The CAT gives us the security and confidence to look beyond simply maintaining what we have achieved and to start planning for the next generation."

He added: "It provides the foundation for our refurbishment plans, our environmental ambitions and the further development of the library as a community hub."

The library was due to close in March 2013, but that was delayed after residents campaigned to keep it open.

In 2014, the Friends of Anlaby Park Library were given the lease to take it over.

Hull City Council said the CAT would allow volunteers to continue providing a community-focused base for socialising, learning, activities and creativity.

It also means the library could secure external funding to continue to upgrade the building, the authority added.

Ashton said: "What began as a campaign to save our much-loved community facility 12 years ago, has evolved into a successful and sustainable charity run by local people for local people."

He added: "The trustees are now looking forward to building on the charity's achievements to date and working with partners, volunteers, local community and most importantly, external funding opportunities to realise the full potential of the library."

In June, it was announced the library would undergo major refurbishment of both the exterior, which has been funded by the council, and the interior, which is being paid for with money raised by volunteers.

In a joint statement, Councillor Ted Dolman and Councillor Jack Haines said: "For years Anlaby Park Community Library has provided an excellent service to local people.

"We are delighted that improvement works have now started and that the team running the library have a long-term lease. From here, they can carry on their service in a much-loved building.

"This Community Asset Transfer will provide people with the ability to continue the tremendous work they do."

The work started on site in September and is due to be completed next year, the council said.

During the work, the library is running a reduced service from a nearby temporary building in the park.

Listen to highlights fromHull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North.

Download the BBC News app from the App Storefor iPhone and iPad orGoogle Play for Android devices