Last updated at 12:22, Friday, 24 August 2012

Cockermouth's library could be moved to the town’s former fire station, it has been revealed.

The Station Road building’s fire control room was moved to Cheshire in June, and its owner Cumbria County Council has been in talks with several organisations about its future.

A council spokesman said: “A new library for Cockermouth is something the county council has been looking into, as the current town centre one is relatively small.

“The former fire station would offer more space.

“We wouldn’t have two libraries in the town so moving it is one option and we are looking at how much work it would take.”

Talks about the future of the fire station building are in the early stages, and another option being considered is using it for office space.

A decision is likely before the end of the year, as staff now based in the building are about to move to new fire headquarters in Penrith.

The council spokesman added: “Work to examine suitable options for future use of the fire headquarters in Cockermouth is ongoing.

“There are a number of possibilities being examined by Cumbria County Council and partners.

“These include utilising the building for office accommodation and assessing its feasibility as a library.

“The key factor will be assessing what is the best outcome for the local community.”

It is unclear whether the building will be sold off or rented out.

Cumbria police had previously looked at the building, before moving into a new base on Europe Way in June.

First published at 11:52, Friday, 24 August 2012
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk