Noted author backs campaign to keep library where it is

Lady Antonia opened Halifax Central Library at Northgate House in 1983 and has written to the Don’t Bulldoze Our Library (DBOL) campaign offering her support.

In an open letter she said: “I was privileged to perform the official opening of the new Calderdale Central Library on its conveniently accessible, centrally located Northgate site in 1983 and to revisit the library on its tenth anniversary in 1993.

“On both occasions I was impressed by the fine purpose-built facilities.

“I would like to encourage members of the community to express their support in the current consultation for the retention of these excellent facilities, which are not yet 30 years old, on their existing site.”

Plans were submitted to demolish the existing library and move it to a new site near Square Chapel Centre for the Arts.

Since then DBOL has held a series of demonstrations outside the Central Library in a bid to gain public support. The latest of these took place last weekend.

DBOL member Dr John Hargreaves, who is the chairman of Halifax Civic Trust, said: “The groundswell of support has been amazing.”

He said the central location of the library is key to its success as a resource for the community.

“The library, like its slightly older neighbour Woolshops, has made a significant contribution in its own right to the regeneration of Halifax town centre,” he said.

“It is disingenuous to suggest that the town’s economic regeneration depends exclusively on the redevelopment of this one site.”

Halifax Labour MP Linda Riordan said: “I think the council is realising that the views of 16,000 people cannot simply be wished away.

“The majority of people in the district want the library to stay where it is.”

Questionnaires have been sent to 5,000 people and so far the council has received 1,000 replies.

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