MPs join forces to save former library

James Grundy and Chris Green, who represent Leigh and Bolton West, are urging Chancellor Rishi Sunak to fund the safeguarding and regeneration of the old Atherton Library in York Street.

Wigan Council recently moved its facilities to a new location leaving the old premises vacant. Atherton Community Trust launched a campaign to create space for community groups and a veterans’ centre there. But the two MPs accused the authority of refusing to back the plans so the building could instead be sold off privately.

A report recommending the sale at auction was compiled last November but did not go before cabinet members after a public backlash.

It had read: “Despite the local community group putting in a lot of time and effort to prepare and submit a business plan for a CAT lease it is unfortunately not considered that an adequate financial plan has been provided. If the building does not have works undertaken to it in the near future, the risks around health and safety will continue to be of concern and this is very significant to pass on to a community group.” It therefore recommended its sale.

Mr Green said: “The council’s plans to sell off this cherished building are completely opposed by local community groups and they have provided no concrete plans to regenerate these buildings.

“Residents deserve a space that provides a vital community hub while also safeguarding the historical significance of the old Atherton Library and tech buildings.”

Mr Grundy said: “For too long, Atherton has been neglected by Wigan Council’s Labour leadership, which is why Chris and urge the Chancellor to provide the vital funding we need to invest in our local community.”

Penny McGinty, assistant director for corporate contracts and assets, said: “Wigan Council has looked to work with a number of community groups from the point the decision was taken for a Community Asset Transfer lease to be considered. This has led to them coming under one group, Atherton Community Trust.

“Following representations after the original deadline, the time for the group to submit its business case for a community asset transfer was extended until Friday May 1 as we want to go give local residents every opportunity to come forward with a full business case.”

A community asset transfer means responsibility for managing and maintaining of a hitherto publicly-owned building moves to a community or voluntary organisation.