A WORKING group set up to 'secure the future' of Culcheth Library is searching for organisations that may be interested in sharing the site as part of a 'co-location' scheme.

Culcheth Library Working Group, which was established by councillors and residents, has already been approached by not-for-profit organisations who are keen to rent space within the library building, on Warrington Road.

Members are now hoping to 'widen the net' to see if any other businesses, organisations or social enterprises would be interested in 'entering discussions'.

Cllr Matt Smith (LAB – Culcheth, Glazebury and Croft), who chairs the working group, said: "The working group in Culcheth has held a series of very successful meetings so far, providing an opportunity for councillors, members of the community, LiveWire themselves and other interested parties to give their input.

"We are working closely with the chief executive at the borough council, our MP, and library users to develop a strong business case, which will secure the future of this service at the heart of our village.

"As part of this, we are delighted to have received approaches from social enterprises, who have expressed a desire to share the use of the library building, and we are keen to explore this option further.

"The way that it would work is simple – any community-minded organisations or businesses would be able to rent space within the building and that money would be ploughed back into the maintenance and upkeep of the library, helping us to sustain and improve the facility for people."

Cllr Joan Grime (LAB – Culcheth, Glazebury and Croft) added: "We want to hear from any organisations, or social enterprise who think that 'co-locating' within the library building is something that they may want to consider.

"There would be no commitment necessary, we simply want to cast the net as far and wide as possible to see who is out there.

"This model has been used effectively in other libraries around the country and provides a great opportunity for co-operation and mutual support between public services and enterprises."

Any groups, businesses or organisations interested in a discussion about taking part in a 'co-location' model at Culcheth Library should e-mail matt.smith062@gmail.com, or call 07890 560880.