A PETITION to restore a full library service in Ulverston which garnered more than 600 signatures has been presented to the House of Commons.

The Conservative MP for Barrow and Furness Simon Fell, presented the petition calling for the government to ensure Ulverston has a full library service as soon as possible.

Ulverston’s library building on King’s Road has been closed since September following the discovery of issues with the building’s electrics during routine statutory checks.

Westmorland and Furness Council has since opened a temporary pop-up library service in Ulverston Market Hall and in the Ante Room at the Coronation Hall.

In the House of Commons Mr Fell said: “I rise to present this petition on the urgent need to reopen Ulverston Library in my constituency of Barrow and Furness. Since Ulverston Library’s closure due to an electrical fault the amazing library team have done a remarkable job in setting up two pop-up libraries.

“But as the 600 plus signatures on this petition attest, local people want a full service restoring as soon as  possible. Our library enables far more than just the lending of books and is a true community hub.

“The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the government to ensure that Ulverston has a full library service restored as soon as possible.”

In November around 200 people attended a protest organised by Michelle Scrogham, Labour parliamentary candidate for Barrow and Furness, regarding the closure of the library.

Investigations revealed that the issues with the electrics in the building on King’s Road are ‘extensive’ and the council is carrying out an appraisal to carefully consider all options for providing a permanent, long-term library service in Ulverston.

Options being looked at include the full repair and refurbishment of the existing library building on King’s Road – to include repairing the electrics, upgrading the heating system, interior layout changes and any other building works required – as well as examining opportunities to re-locate to alternative premises or co-locate within other facilities in town.

Cabinet member for sustainable communities and localities, councillor Virginia Taylor (Penrith South, Lib Dems), said: “The Council is working hard to ensure that we can achieve the very best long-term outcome for the town and its library service.

“We are considering all the available options to get the best future for the library and library services in Ulverston – including looking at opportunities to expand and modernise the service and make it even more accessible to more of the local community.

“We recognise there has been much speculation and discussion about Ulverston Library, but whatever happens next will likely require significant investment. It is therefore right and proper that we weigh up all options carefully, taking into account a number of factors, before committing to that level of investment to make sure that it really delivers for Ulverston, not just for now but into the future.”