THREE business plans to save Astley Bridge’s library have been submitted to Bolton Council.
Residents were invited to submit blueprints detailing how they would keep open one of the five libraries, including Astley Bridge, Oxford Grove, Heaton, Highfield and Castle Hill, that are faced with closure.
Residents had to state how they would pay the rent, upkeep and running costs of the library.
By the deadline on Friday, December 2, the only applications received were for Astley Bridge Library.
The three plans include a business plan from former councillor and Astley Bridge resident Stuart Murray, who has submitted a proposal to establish a community archive within the Carnegie library building, that will capture the stories and memories of Astley Bridge over the past 100 years. Any group running Astley Bridge’s library would need to pay £2,250 per month and invest £57,000 on roof repairs.
A spokesperson for the council said the applications would be considered over the next month.
The library closures are expected to save £400,000.
Bolton Council has to save £100 million over the next four years.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article