Protest staged amid concerns over future of Grimsby libraries

Activists have urged a local council to pledge the complete reinstatement of services at Grimsby Central Library. The Grimsby, Cleethorpes and District Civic Society plans to hold a protest later today, having voiced apprehension regarding the future of the structure, which requires significant renovation. North East Lincolnshire Council has commenced the second stage of a public consultation process, which may result in the consolidation of certain libraries with other public services. Councillor Hayden Dawkins, who holds the portfolio for culture and heritage, affirmed that there are no intentions to dispose of or tear down the central library. As part of this consultation, local residents are invited to provide feedback on a proposal to establish a “Grimsby town centre hub,” designed to house a library, public archives, and adult skills and learning services “all in one place.” Additional suggestions involve combining Cleethorpes library with its leisure centre, and transitioning Waltham to a “community library” operational model. These considerations follow a documented 43% reduction in library visitors across the area between 2018 and 2024. Advocates for the preservation of current services are scheduled to demonstrate prior to a full council meeting later today. Angela Greenwood, representing the civic society, posited that the decrease in visitor numbers was due to the central library’s prolonged period of not being fully operational and its “very short” opening times. “Our argument is that if they open longer, if they restored the library, if they put on events, exhibitions, made meeting rooms available, increased the IT facilities… the library could, and should, become a very, very valuable part of the community,” she stated. In 2021, the council received £4.2 million designated for the refurbishment of the central library, which included provisions for a potential Green Skills Hub. Nevertheless, the council indicated last month that a portion of these funds would need to be “reallocated” towards a leisure development at Freshney Place shopping centre, with a final determination expected at the upcoming council meeting. Ms. Greenwood acknowledged the financial constraints but questioned, “As far as we know there is a £2m backlog of repairs. So where is the money going to come from to restore this building?” She expressed apprehension that the library might be relocated to an alternative venue, such as the former House of Fraser premises located within Freshney Place. Councillor Dawkins maintained that worries regarding the potential closure of the central library were unwarranted. He affirmed, “It is here, it is staying with us. We’re not selling it, we’re not demolishing it.” When questioned about the fate of the building should services be relocated, he further commented, “Ultimately, it needs a lot of money spending on it and it needs to be refurbished, which is a long project.” The second phase of the public consultation is scheduled for the new year, incorporating both an online survey and in-person meetings.