A new committee has been established to examine the future of libraries across North East Lincolnshire, including Grimsby Central Library.
The cross-party panel has met twice so far, focusing on how it will operate and reviewing initial options for Grimsby Central Library. The building has been closed since March after a leak led to asbestos removal work, with a pop-up library now operating as a temporary replacement.
Made up of elected councillors, the committee will assess the results of a recent public consultation on the future of library and archival services. That consultation has already concluded that Cleethorpes and Waltham libraries will remain at their current sites, despite earlier suggestions they could be co-located within other facilities, such as leisure centres. The council has also agreed in principle to reopen Grimsby Central Library, although detailed surveys and costings are still required.
Following the consultation and a Full Council debate, councillors agreed to create a dedicated Select Committee. The panel is made up of: Chair Cllr Steve Holland (Independent, Freshney); Cllr James Cairns (Conservative, Yarborough); Cllr Nick Pettigrew (Conservative, Waltham); Cllr Stewart Swinburn (Conservative, Immingham); Cllr Emma Clough (Labour, Heneage); Cllr Robson Augusta (Labour, Park); and Cllr Steve Beasant (Liberal Democrat, East Marsh).
Council documents state the committee is committed to “transparency and inclusivity”, meaning members are expected to engage with community groups that have long campaigned for the libraries, including the Friends of Grimsby Central Library, formerly the Save Our Libraries campaign.
It is understood the Libraries Select Committee will advise on six key areas: future use of the building; the business case for redevelopment; contract arrangements; learning from successful models elsewhere in the UK; the role of the current pop-up library in Freshney Place; and the wider community impact of any recommendations.
However, all final decisions on the library’s future will ultimately rest with the Conservative administration led by Council Leader Cllr Phillip Jackson (Waltham).
Committee Chair, Cllr Steve Holland (Independent), said: “As fellow committee members and I re-examine all the evidence and work that has already taken place to look at our libraries and their future, we are keen to make sure that we don’t miss any opportunities for improvement that will ensure our libraries have a secure and exciting future. We are particularly keen to hear ideas that would offer a wider range of services.
“The consultations that were carried out indicate that most people want to have thriving public libraries and see them as very important. What we need to do now as a cross-party group, with the help of the whole community, is to suggest practical ideas that will contribute positively to creating a service that can grow and thrive,” he added.
Part of the Gi Grimsby News team since 2020.
Roy Horobin
Joined the Gi Grimsby News team in 2025.