Northern Sector Set To Get A Library

North Swindon is finally set to get a library and youth centre after the building earmarked for the project was mothballed for almost a year.

Vandals have daubed the building outside Asda Wal-Mart in Haydon Wick with graffiti since it was completed in January.

But residents may still have to wait until next summer before the building, that will also house a medical centre, is put to use.

It was built under an agreement drawn up when planning permission for the development was granted in 2000.

The council has struggled to find the cash to kit the centre out with computers and books and recruit one full time and one part time youth worker. The cost is estimated at more than 80,000.

Swindon Council spokeswoman Hellen Barnes said the internal fitting out work for the new library at Haydon would be carried out over the next three months and would include everything from ceilings to heating and lighting, plus toilet facilities.

Once this work is complete, the library will be housed with library stock, furniture and IT equipment.

David Allen, library services manager for the Council, says: "The fitting out work for the library is soon to begin and if everything runs smoothly we shall be able to open the library in either late spring or early summer 2003.

"The new library will be the first state-of-the-art facility in the borough and will include a dedicated computer suite giving free public internet access as well as a very wide range of fiction, reference and children's books, videos, CDs and DVDs.

In addition to the building work, the post of a full time youth worker will be advertised shortly and it is hoped that this appointment will be made by Christmas.

The opening date for the youth centre is still to be confirmed.

CouncillorPeter Stoddart (Conservative, Abbey Meads) welcomed the development.

He said: "Abbey Meads residents have waited long enough for a library service, and for much needed facilities for the young. We have campaigned hard since we were elected to represent the area to make sure that we get afair share of the services provided Swindon Borough Council."