THE Government has dropped its investigation into library services in Darlington.

Earlier this month, the Minister for Arts, Heritage and Tourism wrote to council leader Stephen Harker saying that he considered there to be “no good reason to continue consideration of the existing complaint into library provision in Darlington.”

The investigation was sparked in the wake of widespread opposition to council plans to change library services, close the historic Crown Street Library and move the majority of its resources to a leisure centre.

Last December, representatives from the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) visited Darlington to gather evidence as they investigated formal complaints suggesting that the proposals would prevent the council carrying out its statutory duties relating to library services, as defined under the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964.

The complainant had reportedly suggested that the proposals – which also saw the town’s mobile library service axed and proposed handing Cockerton Library to volunteers to run - would mean library service provision was no longer comprehensive and efficient.

Crown Street Library in DarlingtonCrown Street Library in Darlington

The investigation – which focused on concerns around staffing provision and floor space - has now been dropped, after Darlington’s council announced a u-turn in September, abandoning the controversial plans and agreeing to undertake fresh consultation on library services.

In his letter to Cllr Harker, MP Michael Ellis said that the investigation would be discontinued in light of the council’s “fresh reconsideration” but that standard monitoring of the council’s compliance with the Act would continue.

Complainants are able to appeal the decision by making further representations to the DCMS but must do so by December 7.

Campaigners The Friends of Darlington Library say that uncertainty around staffing levels means they remain unconvinced as to the council’s ability to provide a comprehensive and efficient service going forward.

A spokeswoman for the group said: “We will continue to monitor developments closely and are committed to ensuring Darlington has the best library that can be afforded.

“Although the reduction in floor space has been addressed by the decision to keep the library at Crown Street, the staffing issue remains clear.

“Librarians are the lifeblood of a library and ours have suffered a dreadfully long period of uncertainty about their future.

“We hope the Council will give priority to clarifying this situation as soon as they possibly can.”

 

Cllr Harker said the comments in the DCMS letter had been noted, adding: "The initial complaint was as a result of the changes agreed in 2016. Given the change of circumstances in the town centre, Cabinet decided to overturn its previous decision because it felt that the Council needed to show leadership and confidence in the town centre and felt the risk of a large iconic building standing empty was now too great.

“It was agreed to retain the central library at Crown Street and invest £2m in refurbishing and modernising the building and the service.

“We are currently considering how this investment will be used, and will be asking the public for their views in the New Year. The Friends group will be included in these discussions."