PEOPLE in Nunthorpe may again have a library, five years after the previous one was closed.

Redcar and Cleveland Council announced the closure of Nunthorpe library in January, 1998 as part of a cost-cutting exercise. The Friends of Nunthorpe Library rescue package kept it open until March, 1999. A suggestion to house the library at Nunthorpe School was rejected as it could not be adapted for community use.

Now the council cabinet is being asked to consider, in principle, opening a new community library as part of a private finance initiative at the school.

In a report for Tuesday's cabinet meeting, , Carol Barnes, assistant director of advice and culture, says: "The proposed PFI development at the school offers the opportunity to revisit this option and include a community library within a new school library, more suitably positioned to offer access to the community.

"Discussions are taking place in the education department to determine whether that community library can be accommodated within the existing plan, or whether the library would have to be enlarged at additional cost."

The initial cost of setting up a community library is estimated at £80,000, with annual running costs of about £30,000.

These figures are based on opening times of three hours on midweek evenings and three hours on Saturday mornings.

Funding would come from the council's annual budget.

Ms Barnes adds: "It is important that members agree, in principle, only if there is a real willingness to consider resourcing the project through the budget process. Otherwise there is a risk of raising expectations among the public which will generate huge public dissatisfaction when the project does not materialise.

"The decision to close Nunthorpe library was, and remains, contentious. If members do not approve incluing a community library within the PFI that, is likely to lead to a reawakening of public hostility."

Coun Brenda Thompson, who led the campaign to save the original library, welcomed the possibility of the new library. "I hope that the cabinet approves this. Any library provision would be welcome, but to have an actual building would be wonderful.

"I know it would receive the support of the community and it would fit in with the ethos of what is a community school."