All areas in Lincolnshire that faced losing their current static library provisions have been saved by community groups, with some areas gaining facilities.
Lincolnshire County Council announced on May 1 that all 30 libraries penned for closure received an application to turn it into a community hub library.
In addition, six new ones will also be allocated in Ingoldmells, Navenby, Barrowby, Heckington, Swineshead and Chapel St Leonards due to interest.
In North Hykeham, both the town council and the district council put forward a proposal to save the library, and both have been successful — the council will have to choose the winning bid at a later date.
The community hubs came about after Lincolnshire County Council announced it needed to cut provisions in order to make £1.7 million of savings per year.
There are seven communities which have been asked to further develop their plans before being officially approved — these are in Heckington, Kirton, Swineshead, Keelby, The Deepings, Chapel St Leonards and Sutton Bridge. These are for a variety of reasons, including awaiting the purchase of land in which to host the new hub.
Community groups all received their letters of approval this week, and will now be individually assigned a library advisor, to help guide them through the transition process.
Judicial review
Groups will begin running the hubs from July as the council are also waiting to hear back from the Judicial Review.
A Judicial Review was requested by one of the campaigners against the library cuts, Simon Draper, and subsequently approved by the High Court.
The Save Lincolnshire Libraries campaign gathered significant momentum over the consultation period into the cuts, gathering a high number of signatures and comments against the cuts of static libraries by County Council and support from some MPs across the UK.
This even includes a visit from Shadow Minister for Libraries Helen Goodman to Ermine library in Lincoln to meet with campaigners to discuss the changes, which she described as a “total disgrace”.
Even in submitting Expressions of Interest (EOI) for community hubs, a number of parties told Save Lincolnshire Libraries of difficulties they were facing in the process.
A protest march is currently being planned after the announcement of current libraries getting a reduction in opening hours from May 6, but the council argue this is only temporary until the community groups take over the running of libraries affected.
County Councillor Nick Worth, Executive Member for Libraries, is confident the Judicial Review will not affect the community hubs moving forward.
He said: “The worst case scenario is that they ask the council to look at the process again (but not the decision), but we will have to wait and see what happens. It all depends on what the judge decides.
“It’s good news for the library services because we’re not going to be closing any libraries, communities have come forward to run 30 libraries.
“We’ve got another seven we’re still in negotiations with and discussing sustainable business plans with them, but we anticipate them coming on as well.
“Depending on the outcome of the Judicial Review, we’re ready to go and that’s got to be good news for local communities because they can sustain their libraries and run them how they want to. They can use them with other services, or are using local village halls.
“We’re going to have reduced hours in the interim period, but looking at their business plans most of them are anticipating extending their hours.
“All these groups are ready to go, but until after the Review will will now be giving them training and any other support they require.”
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Residents, visitors, and traders have expressed their disappointment following the cancellation of the beloved Lincoln Christmas Market, on what would have been the inaugural day of this year’s four-day event.
Although the poor weather might have deterred some people, the city’s Bailgate area was notably quiet around 12pm on Thursday, typically the time the event usually opens its doors.
Although Lincoln’s famous Christmas Market is no more this year, and won’t be opening today, there are still alternative festive events happening in Lincoln.
City of Lincoln Council’s decision to cancel the 40-year-old event over safety concerns prompted backlash from people and business but, despite pleas from opposition members, its leaders would not change their stance.
There are, however, still some events in Lincoln to get you in the festive mood this week, including these highlights:
Christmas Market at County Assembly Rooms
The County Assembly Rooms in the Bailgate will still hold its own Christmas Market that it has done for many years.
Manager Gill Hunter said stallholders had already pre-booked and 70% still wanted to do it despite the cancellation of the city’s 40-year-old Christmas Market in uphill Lincoln.
There will be a range of festive stalls, food, drinks and performers when it opens at the following times:
Thursday, December 7 (4pm-9pm)
Friday, December 8 (10am-9pm)
Saturday, December 9 (10am-9pm)
Sunday, December 10 (10am-7pm)
This coincides with the free parking at selected city council car parks in uphill Lincoln on Thursday and Friday. This is available at these car parks: Westgate 1,2,3, St Pauls, Castle Hill, The Lawn, and Langworthgate
The bar at The County Assembly Rooms will be serving hot chocolate, festive sandwiches, alcoholic beverages and more. There will also be a brewery selling bottle ale and roasted hot chestnuts will also be available to buy.
Lincoln Castle Illuminated
Lincoln Castle Illuminated will run from Friday, December 8 until Saturday, December 23.
The Castle grounds will be bejewelled with festive lights and illuminated Christmas features. You can take a drip down Candy Cane Lane and also see the resident Castle dragons Lucy and Norman.
The Castle has retained its popular Illuminated Wall Walk, but the lift is currently out of action so it can only be accessed via the spiral staircase.
You can also board the ‘Mini Polar Express’ and enjoy traditional fairground rides.
In addition, there will be local vendors offering sweet treats and winter warmers, including hot chocolate and mulled wine.
Dog friendly evenings will take place on December 13 and 20.
The full Lincoln Castle Illuminated experience costs £11 for adults, £10 for concessions, £6 for children, and £28 for family tickets. Alternatively, you can choose to visit the grounds only for £3 per head (free for under 5s).
Festive fun at Lincoln Cathedral
Lincoln Cathedral will be hosting an array of festive events this month, including during what would have been the Christmas Market period.
Crafters market in the Cloisters – December 8 and 9 (10.30am-4.30pm)
Nativity Crafts – December 9 (10am-3.30pm)
London Concertante: Christmas at the Movies – December 9 (7.30pm). Ticket prices range from £33.99 to £47.72
‘After Hours’: Walking towards Christmas – December 10 (6.45pm)
Winter Market at Lincoln Museum
Lincoln Museum on Danes Terrace is holding a Winter Market on Saturday, December 9, which has been organised by Shelf Editions.
There will also be workshops to take part in including metal wreath (£45) and felt decoration (£15) making, which can be booked via the museum’s website.
For the younger visitors there is also a free drop-in Calendar wreath craft session with the Elbow Room Collective.
Entry to the market is free from 10am-4pm with the cafe serving a festive menu from 11am-3pm.
Lincoln Ice Trail
Lincoln Ice Trail will run from 10am-8pm on Saturday and Sunday, December 9 and 10.
There will be 20 Lincoln-themed ice sculptures to find – you can pick up a map of the trail from the Visitor Information Centre.
In addition, there will be festive entertainment, as well as live-ice carving demonstrations of the Cathedral.
The Travelling Historical Christmas Market
Although this event is next week, The Travelling Historical Christmas Market offers another festive alternative for people in Lincoln.
The free event will take place at St Mary le Wigford Church on St Mary’s Street between December 14 and 17 at the following times: