A COUNCILLOR said that £12k had been spent on refurbishing the alternative library service, which 'could have been spent fixing the electrical faults' in the existing closed building.

In a public meeting that took place on February 19 at Croftlands Community Centre in Ulverston, Councillor Michelle Scrogham said that Ulverston library has been a 'priority' for town councillors since it closed and that they have had 'several meetings' with Westmorland and Furness officers regarding the building.

Cllr Scrogham advised that £12k has been spent in The Coro refurbishing the Ante Room and Supper Room to house the temporary libraries, which 'could have been spent fixing the electrical faults in the Kings Road library.' She also thanked Westmorland and Furness councillors Jackie Drake and Helen Irving for 'fighting' for the library.

Councillor Bob Brown said it is 'very difficult' to get any information from Westmorland and Furness and that they often receive 'no answer or delayed answers.'

He said: "The way they treat Ulverston Town Council is very disappointing."

READ MORE: Council says current library situation is 'not an ideal long-term solution'

Councillor Graham Scrogham said it is 'very frustrating' to have to submit FOI requests to get any answers. He said that when an FOI is submitted, they are 'received late' and are 'lacking most of the information we have asked for.'

Councillors voted unanimously for Norman Bishop-Rowe's proposal requesting Westmorland and Furness Council to make Ulverston Library a heritage asset. 

Mr Bishop-Rowe said it is an 'iconic 1960s design, being the only example in Ulverston' and that the District Authority has previously listed the Lloyds Bank and the Roxy as such buildings.

In the meeting, a member of the public shared concerns regarding the library's costs. He said that £1 million was spent on the Barrow Library refurbishment, which was reopened in 2021, and £500,000 on the recent refurbishment of Kendal Library. He questioned why a public consultation had not occurred yet.

Cllr Scrogham organised a public meeting regarding the library for Monday, March 11, at 6 pm in the Red Rose Club in Ulverston.