A ‘QUESTION mark’ hangs over costly work at Penketh Library.

Warrington Borough Council previously committed to spending £1 million on repairs, maintenance and other work at existing library buildings – while £150,000 was designated to enhance the book fund budget.

The £150,000 was planned to support literacy and learning across the town’s sites.

At the Libraries Partnership Board meeting last month, it was stated the estimate for repairs to Penketh Library would cost around £450,000.

However, a revised estimate from contractors is said to have totalled more than £350,000.

During the meeting it was highlighted that there is a ‘question mark’ over the work at Penketh Library.

So far, money has been spent on a refurbishment work at Stockton Heath Library, surveys and feasibility works at Birchwood Library, boiler replacement work at Westbrook Library and boiler replacement work at Culcheth Library.

Meanwhile, funding has been committed for roof and fascia repairs and signage work at Lymm Library to start in spring 2021, along with boiler replacement work at Burtonwood Library starting later this month.

Work to create the sanctuary hub and business centre at Lymm Library was funded externally at no cost to the council.

The council has confirmed that £354,680 – out of the £1 million budget – has been spent or committed so far.

A spokesman added: “The council is committed to carrying out works at the remaining sites where there is a clear need.

“Schemes at Birchwood, Padgate, Penketh and Culcheth are currently in development.”

With the town now in tier two of the coronavirus restrictions, a number of library sites across the borough are reopening from today, Wednesday.

LiveWire’s phased reopening plans centre on the safety of customers and staff, and are aimed at giving customers the confidence to borrow books in a friendly, safe and hygienic manner.

The libraries reopening are Great Sankey, Orford Jubilee and Woolston Neighbourhood Hubs, Culcheth, Lymm, Stockton Heath, Burtonwood and Warrington, on Museum Street.

Birchwood, Penketh, Padgate and Westbrook libraries will remain closed at this time.

Customers should please note that Great Sankey, Orford Jubilee and Woolston Neighbourhood Hubs libraries will be self-service only so members will need to ensure they bring their library card with them to access the library services at those sites.

Printing services will not be available at the self-service hub sites.

Public network computers will be available but pre-booking is recommended.

For further information visit livewirewarrington.co.uk