RESIDENTS have called on the council to reinvest in the Gamble Institute to bring the historic building back into public use.

Last week Star reported how numerous councillors expressed concerns over the lack of progress in the search for a new home for Central Library.

The borough’s main library has been shut since March 2017 due to the significant remedial work required in the Gamble Institute.

Councillors were told last week that the public is “crying out” for a resolution.

The report sparked much discussion online among residents, the majority of whom were adamant the council should pay to restore the historic building, which was funded by Sir David Gamble in the late 19th century.

Joan Hunt said: “The building was gifted to the people of St Helens.

"The council have or should have a duty to maintain this building and keep it as a library – the Central Library.

“I am amazed that we the people of St Helens have not done anything to keep it open, would a petition to councillors help – no don't think so.

“We should do something.”

Marlene Downey said the Gamble Institute is “much more than a library” and should be “preserved at all costs”.

Sue Winn said it would be “criminal” if the building was “left to rot, or even worse, demolished.”

Kath Inkpen fears the Gamble Institute could be destined for demolition.

She said: “Like many such buildings across the country, hope they aren’t waiting for it to go too far to save it so will then be forced to knock it down.

“This building is a central part of this town and should be used as a community building not only a library and invested in.”

Ruth Moss-Jones drew comparisons with the closure and subsequent demolition of Kirkby Library, earlier this year.

She said: “I’m from Kirkby originally and we had the most beautiful library in the town centre. It was a lifeline to me growing up there in the 80s.

“Recently, though, the building has been demolished. The books have moved but the building itself and all the memories — gone. And I think it was a similar scenario.

"It would be such a shame for the same to happen.

“Those people saying no-one uses libraries — I am not sure when you go to them but when I go, they’re usually pretty busy.”

Tim Haines believes the library will be better placed elsewhere, but still things the building should be preserved.

He said: “I think the building could be used for something far better than a library, when was the last time you used it?

“It’s a huge building that was only partially used as the library anyway.

"Surely spending already limited finances on maintaining such a large building, which is used by such a small percentage of the community is pointless?

“Do we need a library and resource centre in the town centre? Yes. Does it need to be this building? No.

“Should this building be renovated and used well? Yes. But doesn’t necessarily have to be the council, and certainly not as the library.”

Jon Stanley believes the council should sell the building, so it can be used for "something productive".

He said: "Few use libraries, those that do can be so easily catered for with a much smaller facility.

"They are meant to be full of people, that’s the point of having them so central."