Peterborough Council to Discuss Future of Woodston Library Amid Closure Concerns

Councillors are set to discuss a petition concerning a 73-year-old library facing potential closure, which also seeks to expand its operating times. Woodston Library, located in Peterborough, stands among several community facilities that the city council has contemplated divesting to address a significant financial deficit. The petition garnered 764 signatures, advocating for the facility’s continued operation and its transformation into “a real community hub.” Mohammed Jamil, who serves as Peterborough City Council’s deputy council leader, stated that the council was “looking at all options regarding the library’s future use” and encouraged input from local residents. He further commented: “This is part of our ongoing assets review and we will work to make a final decision in due course.” A report identified Woodston Library as one of 17 community buildings “under consideration” for sale by the city council. Other properties listed include Eye Youth Centre and Library, Dogsthorpe Community Centre, Stanground Library, and the city’s regional pool, which has remained shut since reinforced aerated concrete (Raac) was found on its premises last year. The council has already finalized land transactions totaling almost £6.8m, primarily from its farm estate, and an additional £7.94m worth of land and structures are presently under offer. The petition specifically requested to “keep Woodston Library open, extend the current opening hours and enable further use by working with the local community to develop the library as a real community hub.” Andy Coles, a former councillor for the locality, and Jennie Storey, a long-term Woodston resident, initiated the petition; both intend to speak to councillors before the debate. Ms Storey stated: “We’re encouraging local residents, local businesses, everybody in the community including children, to attend that meeting.” She added: “We have hope that we will be heard and I do believe we will be.” Ms Storey indicated that the library faced “massive issues,” particularly concerning its limited opening hours, as staff are present only three days a week. She asserted: “Our argument all along is that it’s been neglected, it’s not been promoted, and if something isn’t accessible it’s not usable.” Mr Coles commented that the library had been allowed to “wither on the vine” because of its limited operating times, but noted that multiple volunteers had offered to assist with staffing. He stated: “We want to prove that the library is a valuable resource that the community want to keep open.” Mr Coles concluded: “We’re hoping they’ll say they recognise the value of it, with voluntary assistance, things can continue.”