School throws out a lifeline to Ellesmere library
One of Shropshire's under-threat libraries could be given a lifeline after a school expressed an interest in taking over the service.
Lakelands Academy, in Ellesmere, has shown an interest in the town's library, which is being looked at by Shropshire Council as part of its cost cutting plan.
The council announced earlier this year that it was looking to save £1.3 million by finding alternative management for some of its library services.
The council is currently looking at options for libraries in Ellesmere, Shawbury, Broseley, Shifnal and Church Stretton.
It was announced last week the running of Bishop's Castle Library will be handed over to Enterprise South West Shropshire (ESWS).
John Shone, one of the Friends of Ellesmere Library, welcomed the interest from the school but said it was early days.
He said: "This came to my notice at a meeting of the Friends of Ellesmere Library.
"It is very early stages and at the moment just a few talks are ongoing.
"The school has some space that could possibly house the library but no more has been said so far.
"We have told the school to make direct approach with any expression of interest to Shropshire Council.
"There are plenty of options floating around but they are all coming in very late.
"We can't just stay as we are. We have been told time is running out. Whatever happens we want a good, vibrant and improved library for Ellesmere.
"We will continue to contact parish and town councils as well as housing groups and organisations in the hope somebody comes forward.
"We are then planning to meet again next week to see where we are and go from there."
Leaders at Lakelands Academy said they were not able to comment on the plans when contacted by the Shropshire Star.
The school's interest comes after the library in Victoria Street was put under the spotlight at a meeting of Ellesmere local joint committee last week.
Members of the committee were given a presentation by Shropshire Council library bosses about the options – one of which could see the service transferred to the nearby Meres Day Centre.
Meanwhile, Shropshire Council said that consultation into the proposed closure of Shawbury Library is set to continue – despite a 1,200-strong petition against the plans.
The document was presented by Shawbury resident Kevin Richards at a full council meeting last week amid fears the library could be cut to a mobile service.
The council decided that no further action should be taken and consultation would continue.
