A timeline for the re-opening of Fulwood and Lostock Hall libraries has now been confirmed.

Lancashire County Council’s cabinet has pledged to bring a full library service back to both areas following cutbacks under the previous administration.

Meeting on Thursday (13 July) afternoon the Conservative cabinet has announced when it is re-opening 14 of the libraries.

Cabinet member for community and cultural services county councillor Peter Buckley said: “Libraries are a vital service at the heart of our communities, offering free access to books and information, as well as being a place where communities can get together.

“We’ve agreed to reopen libraries which were closed, as well as safeguarding full library services at six libraries which had been due to close or see the level of service reduced.

“A significant amount of activity will be needed to reopen the libraries which were closed. This will include building assessments and carrying out work to improve the condition of some buildings, recruiting and training staff, reconnecting ICT and other infrastructure, and reallocating book stock.

“Building surveys are already underway and the next step will be to produce a detailed timeline for libraries reopening. Whilst some require minimal work in order to reopen, at this stage we’re anticipating that most will reopen between November this year and April next year.”

The cost of re-opening the libraries is likely to cost the county council around £1.7million extra during the next 12 months.

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Fulwood and Lostock Hall are among the 14 libraries due to see the phased re-opening.

The future of Bamber Bridge library remains uncertain, with councillors opting to take more time to decide on what will happen.

Penwortham library has been transferred to the Town Council who are continuing to operate the library along with the young people’s centre.

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