West Lothian Council has confirmed the allocation of £700,000 for new library facilities to further enhance new community-based services within Winchburgh.
The funding was agreed last week as part of the council’s Capital programme of investment.
It is expected library facilities will be included within the Partnership Centre development in the town, which is being led by the NHS. The library facilities could be located within any new health care facility in the town. However, that may mean a delay in providing library facility provision as it depends upon when the NHS are able to create a Partnership Centre development. Alternative solutions for library provision are possible and the council is continuing to engage with community groups to discuss these options.
There has been a long running row over a future partnership centre for Winchburgh as it develops, with many in the community calling for the council to lead on the provision of a partnership centre. They claim this was promised at the start of the development plans.
Winchburgh is currently undergoing West Lothian’s biggest ever investment in education.
A £62 million project is well underway to build two new secondary schools and a primary school as well as shared sport, leisure and community facilities.
It is anticipated that by 2023/24 the council will be expected to provide a financial commitment for library services, to the NHS, as part of their wider project to create a Partnership Centre.
Executive councillor for culture and leisure, Dave King, said: “The council has agreed its funding contribution which is a positive step, and it gives clarity and assurances to the Winchburgh Community.
“It should also be recognised that the stand alone sport blocks at the new co-located denominational and non-denominational secondary schools will be available for community use. £200,000 has also been allocated for works this year at the existing Community Centre to include new windows, replacement of the cast iron guttering, as well as heating upgrades.”
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