A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library (£779,000)
Future Funds
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Retain a centrally located multi-purpose leisure centre. The Dolphin Centre will be remodelled with the Registrar’s Service relocating to the Town Hall freeing up space for the Central Library to be relocated within the Centre. The relocation will deliver efficiencies reducing the cost of the Central Library and the Centre by approximately £300,000.
The relocation of the Library will deliver a modern accessible library for the Town which will also address many of the short comings of the Crown Street site, namely :-
- Poor toilet provision
- Baby changing facilities
- Increased space for children’s library and activities
- Social/breakout space
- Café facilities
- Modern environment
- Improved ICT
The relocation will enable the Crown Street building to be sold and discussions will take place with interested parties such as the Pease Family. Disposal values will not be as high as maybe imagined by many due to the cost of conversion and it is proposed, subject to agreement by interested parties, that any receipts be used to assist in achieving the Civic Theatre sponsorship target of £1.6m.
[Reference: Cabinet papers, Item 6, paragraph 52(b)]
Let us have your views by filling in the Darlington Library Service Survey - Closed
The online library survey has been available for a six-week period and has now closed so we can collate the responses and feed them into the consultation process. Further comments are still welcome until 31 May 2016. You can send your comments via email to [email protected] or you can complete the budget proposals online form.
Links:
Library Service Proposals [PDF document]
Proposed new layout for the Dolphin Centre (Ground Floor) [PDF Document]
Proposed new layout for the Dolphin Centre (First Floor) [PDF Document]
Official Copy Of Statutory Declaration [PDF Document]
Related FAQs
All the books from the library / libraries won’t fit in the Dolphin Centre.
The proposed public floor space in the Dolphin Centre is comparable to what we have now at Crown Street and we will provide appropriate storage for the books not on display.
Has the Council looked at ways buildings or services could be looked after by local groups?
We appreciate that there might well be groups willing to take over running buildings or services. While it is important that they are aware of the costs and responsibilities they would take on, we would be very happy to receive proposals. Unfortunately the speed of the spending reductions mean that the Council does not have the time to work with groups over any length of time so proposals need to be firmed up quite soon.
You blame Govt cuts but other towns/cities still have libraries and arts centres – is this a case of financial mismanagement?
Darlington has always been regarded by our external auditors as good at financial management, this is not the reason we are facing such high levels of cuts. Other councils will also be announcing cuts over the coming months and years. The level of cuts required as a result of Government grant cuts vary depending on many factors, but generally deprived areas have been hit worse. Also, other councils have higher Council Taxes than Darlington so have more revenue from that source than us, so their cuts will be less.
Who actually owns Crown Street Library?
The Council owns the building.
How much would it cost to save the library and the indoor market?
The market is not under threat of closure, so there is no single figure available to save it. With input from traders, the Council is looking for a partner to invest in and improve the market. The relocation of the central library from Crown Street reduces spending by £300,000, so if the relocation does not happen the Council would need to find alternative savings to balance the budget.
Why keep the Dolphin Centre – more people would want to save the library and market first?
Unfortunately the lack of funding means the Council must take some very tough decisions and they have proposed that keeping the Dolphin Centre is important to the borough and it can be kept open at the same time as maintaining a town centre library. In terms of the market, as stated earlier it is not closing. It is hoped the recent announcement – that the Council is working with traders to identify a partner to take over the management of the market – will put an end to incorrect speculation that it will close. Closure of the Dolphin Centre would have a significant impact on the Council’s ability to narrow the health gap as a significant proportion of the population use the Dolphin Centre on a regular basis. You can, of course, suggest an alternative to be considered.
Has a full options appraisal been carried out to review how the library service could be made sustainable? If not, why not?
In 2011/12, the Council did carry out an options appraisal for the Library service, which considered a number of proposals:
1) Remaining in current location
2a) Remaining in current location but half time at Cockerton
2b) Close Cockerton and operate from Crown Street only
3a) Keep Cockerton and move Crown Street operation to Central Hall
3b) Close Cockerton and move Crown Street operation to Central Hall
4a) Keep Cockerton and move Crown Street operation to the Town Hall
4b) Close Cockerton and move Crown Street operation to the Town Hall
Cabinet considered these options on 22 February 2012 and agreed to note budget reductions in the service of £242,000 through consolidation of management and operational restructure, reducing opening hours at Cockerton from 50 to 28, and further explore opportunities for savings beyond 2013/14. The current approach adopted by Cabinet in responding to its financial challenge is to look at producing a core offer budget being what we believe to be a budget that meets our legal obligations, the Core Offer budget includes Crown Street library. As part of Cabinet’s considerations of how to utilise the £2.5m futures fund they decided to include the Dolphin Centre. The cost of the library and the Dolphin Centre overall could be reduced by £300,000 by relocating the library to the Dolphin Centre therefore this is judged to be the most cost effective model for the 2 services.
In addition you will be aware we have worked with various organisations to try and deliver a volunteer based library service at Cockerton unfortunately without success.
Has a full options appraisal been carried out to review how the Dolphin Centre could be made sustainable, which includes an option that doesn't include re-locating the library? If not, why not?
The Dolphin Centre has been subject to a number of reviews leading to significant reductions in operating costs in previous budget rounds. A full option appraisal was carried out in 2012 considering the establishment of a Trust, working with other Councils and the private sector and the result of this was to continue to operate in house and continue to look for other options to reduce net costs.
What are the estimated relocation and capital costs of putting the library in the Dolphin Centre? How is it proposed this is funded? From receipts of the sale of Cockerton and/or Crown Street or general funds?
The estimated cost of relocation of the Library is £1.1m this amount allows for the structural changes required and full fit out of the library. We intend to produce a mixture of modern vibrant areas together with more traditional elements hopefully recycling some of the elements of Crown Street into the latter. There is an additional amount included in the MTFP of £600,000 to replace plant and equipment in the Dolphin Centre which will be undertaken at the same time to remove the need for more interruption to provision at another time. The £1.7m is to be funded by prudential borrowing and will be repaid from within the Library and Dolphin Centre budgets and this repayment is taken into account when calculating the savings from the relocation of the library.
What are the estimated relocation costs and the annual storage costs for moving both the Borough art collection and the Borough archive? How is it proposed this is funded? From receipts of the sale of Cockerton and/or Crown Street or general funds?
The costs of storage of the Art Collection and the archive are included in the existing Dolphin/Library budget. Relocation costs are not yet finalised.
What are the estimated relocation and capital costs associated with moving the registrar from the Dolphin Centre to the Town Hall? How is it proposed this is funded? From receipts of the sale of Cockerton and/or Crown Street or general funds?
The estimated costs of relocating the Registrars is £140,000; this will be funded by prudential borrowing paid for from within existing budgets.
What is the estimated valuation for the sale of Crown Street Library?
Clearly the market will decide the exact value of the assets however due to the costs of conversion etc. we do not expect the receipt to be significant in terms of the Council’s overall budget position
What is the estimated valuation for the sale of Cockerton Library?
Again the market will ultimately determine the value and like Crown Street we do not see the level of receipt as significant in terms of the overall budget position.
When will it be decided if there will be a replacement art gallery?
There has been no decision taken yet on how or if the Art Gallery will be re provided. We are looking at options and are keen to work with you to find solutions.
The Cabinet papers suggest the children's library will be bigger, is this right? Does this mean that all other parts of the library will be smaller as a result?
Draft designs are not yet complete and we are looking at a number of new options and once complete we will be keen to share them with you and others to get your views.
Will the library have at least the same number of computers that are currently in both Cockerton and Crown Street combined, so people can access these to apply for work and benefits?
The ICT offer within the Library service will be reviewed and modernised in line with best practice and the intention is to provide at least the same number of work stations as there currently is across the Library service. However, again, the detail is still being worked on.
Have you undertaken an impact assessment of closing the mobile library service on disadvantaged and vulnerable groups? If yes, please can you provide a copy? If not, why not?
An Impact Assessment will be carried out following the completion of the Library survey and will be available for Cabinet to consider prior to making any final decision on the Library Service.
What is the legal basis for considering that one library constitutes a 'comprehensive library service'? Has an appraisal been undertaken about whether this would leave you open to legal challenge?
Currently the Council is consulting on its proposals for the Library service and alongside this a survey is being circulated for users and non-users to complete, which will help inform any final decision. The Library Needs Assessment will be presented to Cabinet before they make their final decision.
We understand from the Land Registry that Darlington Borough Council has lost the covenant placed on Crown Street Library. When was it lost?
We understand that the deeds and documents were lost in or about March 1974. Further details are set out in the statutory declaration of Alan Thornthwaite Carling (formerly the Assistant Borough Solicitor to Darlington Borough Council), on 22 December 1983.
Do Darlington Borough Council know what the covenant related to Crown Street Library said?
The library opened in 1885 following a bequest in the will of Edward Pease.
Although we do not have the original records, it may well have been the case that the property was subject to a restrictive covenant. We understand that the deeds and documents were lost in or about March 1974, most probably during local government reorganisation with Durham County Council.
In 1983 statutory declaration was made by a former Assistant Borough Solicitor about the loss of deeds that occurred in 1974. This indicated that in 1983 the property was thought to be subject to a restrictive covenant that it should be ‘used for purposes of a public library forever.
Land Registry records show the Council as the freehold owner, but there is reference made to lost deeds and documents and that restrictive covenants imposed before 9 September 2010 are still enforceable.
If there is a restrictive covenant concerning the Crown Street Building this does not prevent the library service from relocating to another building. It could however restrict the future use of Crown Street although there are steps that can be taken to have any restrictive covenant discharged.
A copy of the Statutory Declaration is available on the relateted proposal pages.
Our understanding is that there is a signed affidavit by the then Borough solicitor of Darlington Borough Council that was written at the time the covenant for Crown Street Library was found to be lost and that this affidavit states the covenant existed and what was in it. Is this true?
The document you refer to is a statutory declaration by Alan Thornthwaite Carling, at the time the Assistant Borough Solicitor to Darlington Borough Council, on 22 December 1983.
How are discussions going with the Pease family? Have they had chance to see if they have got a copy of the covenant?
We have contacted the Pease Family and they are reviewing their records to see if they have any documents that will be of assistance.
Are you any further forward in identifying where the borough collection and archives are going to be stored?
Further work is taking place with regard to suitable and appropriate locations for storing the Borough Collection and Archive. However our working assumption is that they can be accommodated within the Dolphin Centre and other Council buildings.
Would you be willing to consider transferring the Crown Street Library building to a heritage organisation (such as the National Trust or English Heritage) or a community organisation?
It is our intention to market the building, however should any such options be forthcoming the Council would consider them.
Why are you closing Crown Street Library?
The Council has a duty to provide a library service and we will continue to do so. Our proposals include relocating the library service to a remodelled Dolphin Centre, which will deliver efficiencies, reducing the costs of the Central Library and Dolphin Centre by approximately £330,000.
It would also deliver a modern, accessible library for the town which will address many of the shortcomings of the Crown Street site such as poor toilet provision, baby change facilities, social/breakout space, cafe facilities, modern environment and improved ICT.
What will happen to the Crown Street Library building – isn’t it covered by a restricted covenant?
The library opened in 1885 following a bequest from the will of Edward Pease (1834-1880) and we have been in touch with the Pease family about the Council’s budget proposals. Although we do not have the original records, it may well have been the case that the property was subject to a restrictive covenant and possibly a trust.
In 1983 a statutory declaration was made by a former Assistant Borough Solicitor about the loss of deeds that occurred in 1974. This indicated that in 1983 the property was thought to be subject to a restrictive covenant that it should be ‘used for purposes of a public library forever’.Land Registry records show the Council as the freehold owner, but there is reference made to lost deeds and documents and that restrictive covenants imposed before 9 September 2010 are still enforceable.
If there is a restrictive covenant concerning the Crown Street building this does not prevent the library service from relocating to another building. It could however restrict the future use of Crown Street. There are steps that can be taken to have a restrictive covenant removed. This would be by making an application to the Lands Tribunal, which has the power to vary or discharge covenants on land.
Why don’t you mothball Head of Steam and/or merge it with Locomotion at Shildon (which is free) and use the money to save Crown Street Library?
If you wish to put this forward as a suggestion it is something that could be considered. However, the Cabinet’s budget proposals reflect a desire to retain Loco No.1 and other key assets that are in the Head of Steam as they are a fundamental part of the town’s heritage. There is the opportunity to use that heritage to be a part of the town’s regeneration and visitor offer as we move toward the 200 years celebration of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 2025. The saving from closing the museum could be used to retain Crown Street, however further savings would also be required to keep Crown Street open as the cost of the Museum is less than would be required to keep Crown Street open.
Could we bring together the libraries and museums service for all five boroughs in the Tees Valley to form one service where perhaps economies of scale can be achieved? This may be a way of saving the library service in Darlington and keeping the library at Crown Street. The Head of Steam Museum could also be included in the service and linked to other museums in the Tees Valley. Has this been explored and if it has not, can it perhaps be explored?
This has been looked at previously to some degree. The complexity is that libraries tend to be managed in different ways in different places – in some they are in education, some leisure, some culture. This makes the exercise of separating out costs and people much more complex and often there will be a raft of cross subsidy going on. There appears to be little appetite from other authorities at present and regrettably the timescale involved is impractical, as it would probably take a minimum of a year with uncertainty as to whether it could actually achieve the scale of savings we need.
Your Say
159 comment(s)
Comment |
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Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) |
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) |
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) |
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) |
Cut W05 (Cockerton Library) |
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) |
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) |
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) |
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) |
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) Local traders and their livelihoods once and the towns history. The market hall if it is allowed to go leaves darlington with faceless big name retailers that any other place has. foffanos the most recent I can think of and its venture into the deli should be commended for trying to bring variety into the town and they are now hit with this ? Are the vunerable to be hit again ? kids need support when young to give help before the problems become bigger. whether this is at learning levels or at children's home levels. local businesses see enough trouble already with dealing with shoplifters, drunks, drugs and more recently troublesome teens. it's bad enough now by not giving support ( and aid to relevant charities) you are encouraging this to spiral. My issue is not so much children centres closing and maybe being condensed into one hub it's the wider picture and the fact that some of the charities do the work that the social services can't afford to. They pick up the reins and step in when others will not but the impact of what they do should not be overlooked. I acknowledge that things such as xmas lights, flowers, grass cutting are a luxury. I also believe though that the council are suggesting library staff ( and others) face redundancy how about those at the top taking a cut in wages ? many other businesses have faced restructure amongst every level and to stay afloat if that's what it takes . it is not a miracle cure but it would also be a gesture that those at the top also acknowledge that they'll need to bear the pressure of cuts. |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) These proposals are just reducing inspirational educational opportunities. *Relocating the computers from the 'Healthy Foyer' in the Dolphin centre which have very little use , repeat of what is available within a Drs practise and save staff costs of the dedicated foyer staff. Admit it is a failure!! Selling the family silver is just plain short sightedness. Denying the towns folk access to a dedicated Public Library and IT facility. Plans are backwards in aspect of education and the value of learning from the past. Pease recognised the virtue of learning for the common towns folk and DBC should continue to develop facilities not withdraw simply based on funding and the lack of ability to think inspirationally. Why are the plans for closure of anything with a Heritage connection, the DBC don't maintain the property entrusted to their care demonstrates the lack of foresight that the further the buildings deteriorate the less likely of resurrection as funding has been wasted/spent elsewhere. |
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) I recently found out that the towns museum collection is at The Bowes Museum. Once again our heritage but not in the town and not easily available. Even Middlesbrough which has surely more deprivation that Darlington has both a museum and a Carnegie Library which was saved from demolition by the townspeople who recognised its value. The market should be being promoted as a a food hub for the area with local growers and suppliers bringing their food to a wonderful covered market which would encourage food tourism and othe business in the area. Look to the fantastic markets elsewhere in the country that often feature on the BBC Food programme. If they can do it elsewhere why can't we do it here? This fantastic, beautiful building must not be allowed to be bought by a developer who would turn it into goodness knows what. The loss of these two would bring about further decimation of the town centre. It must be avoided at all costs. Appeal to Government for more money for these alone. Look to philanthropy for the library. If it was this that made the Pease family provide the library there must be plenty of charities and philanthropists who could get involved. Can a large company such as Amazon be approached. They don't pay enough tax but could be persuaded to support reading in this way. Let's not just sit back and give up. There must be a way forward. |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) Is there space to re-house the whole library collection? |
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) |
Core LLE2 (Libraries Service) |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) Personally, I don't have a problem with the relocation of the library, if the new one is substantially fit for purpose, such as containing (as within the current building) an IT suite for those without access to a computer, in order to complete applications for benefits, job searches, etc. This is a vital and well-used tool for many residents. 2, I understand that the current Central Library building will be offered for sale at around £300,000. This is a derisory amount for a building of huge heritage interest and value. (I read your note that the low estimate is due to the expense required for conversion. This is not a good enough reason, unless it is sold to the Pease family only). Otherwise, If sold, an amount approximating to the cost of relocating the library to the Dolphin Centre should be obtained - around £780,000 (your latest estimate). If you must get rid of buildings that are of some interest to residents, visitors, businesses, individuals considering moving to Darlington, there needs to something remaining in the town to attract these people. There will be a gap of around 15 months whilst the Civic Theatre is being renovated, so why would anyone, at present, move here other than for comparative low property prices and good access to transport links? The new Feethams contains nothing original; no USP for the town and could have a detrimental effect on, for example, the four excellent Italian restaurants, plus Indian restaurants and bars, which we already have in the town centre. What do you intend to do with the Odeon building when it closes due to Vue appearing? Bingo Hall, snooker, gaming/slot machines? |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) |
Cut W13 (Street Cleaning and Environmental Crime) This is not a picture recognised by the ordinary residents of the town. Joseph Pease built the Old Town Hall in 1853 as a gift to the town, and later added the clock tower and covered market in 1864 at a cost of £16,356 8s 9d. Edward Pease left £10,000 in his will which resulted in the opening of the Crown Street Library in 1885. According to BQ our leaders appreciate Darlington’s heritage ‘We have our forefathers to thank for the way Darlington has evolved so far and for some of the beautiful assets they left us Places like South Park, Crown Street Library, the Civic Theatre, Lingfield Point and the market square are gifts and it is out responsibility as a town to respect them, but also to innovate and make sure they can be used by future generations’. Nine years ago the Council decided that the High Row needed modernising. They did not take any notice of the public outcry against their plans. The paving used needs cleaning regularly - at what cost?. The steps are dangerous and they are certainly not going to last a hundred years. The water feature has been expensive to maintain but that will be solved by having a water feature without water. The multi-storey car park went over budget. The latest project is the upgrading of the Civic Theatre which all sounded wonderful until we realised that it is not being funded entirely by the Lottery but the Council have to make a contribution. So it is proposed that any proceeds from the sale of our beloved Crown Street Library are to be put towards the shortfall. It seems that the scheme is too ambitious at the expense of our library. Also, as pointed out in a letter to the Northern Echo on February 13th, there appear to be design problems as the architects do not seem to have taken into account the need for an entrance in Borough Road and that the removal of the aisles could cause a serious nuisance. Two shops have been bought in order to create a cafe but who is going to go all the way to the Civic Theatre when there are so many in the town centre (shortly there will be even more in the Feethams development). How much is it going to cost to keep the theatre complex open all day ? I understand that people will have strong feelings about all the cuts particularly if they affect them but I cannot believe that anyone could even contemplate selling the Crown Street library. Some people say it is only a building but surely it is as important historically as the theatre perhaps even more so. If both the Crown Street Library and the Indoor Market are lost to the town I wonder what future editions of BQ will have to say. |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) I work within the private sector, and we went though our version of budget cuts during the credit crunch, and from what I see and read there are very different approaches to this tightening of the belt. It seems in the public sector the answer to budget cuts is to stop providing a service, or sell the service off, so arts centre, market place, libraries, etc. In the private sector the approach was very different, services we provided needed to remain in place, that is after all how we make money, instead we had to look at stream lining activities, and ultimately achieving the same output with fewer employees. This is a harder task to achieve successfully accepted, it's easier to cut costs simply by no longer doing something that costs money, but it's by far a more profitable means to an end as you still encourage customers to return, therefore still see financial return on your investment. Equally, this can be applied to everything, not just the areas you are looking to close, but those that will stay open, for example the Dolphin centre which I was supposed to read operates at a loss??? Applying these principles to something like this would result in instant gains, freeing up funds for other areas of the town which otherwise would end up at risk of closure. |
Core LLE4 (Civic Theatre) |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) it is an outrageous proposal to close this fine amenity. This biulding an dthe services belong to the people of the town, and must be kept open at all costs. |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) Good move |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) Moving on from the premise that cuts will have to be made, I would like to make the following suggestion. I believe that the main way forward to keep our services (particularly cultural and recreational) open to the public is for the community to have a much greater involvement in running them, for funds to be raised through additional activities on site, together with exploring the possibilities of forming a Trust or something similar. One idea could be as follows: Retain the art gallery, IT suite, Local Studies and Reference library as they now exist and which are mostly based in the original Central Library building. Leave the entire basement archives where they are, which would save a huge cost in sorting out and removal (to where?). Many sections in the archives need to be available for people doing research or wanting out-of-print books, etc., on a regular basis. Therefore it would be useless to move them into a separate building, where they would cease to be of much use. Move only the lending library and the children’s library (which DBC said would be an improvement on the current facilities, with soft play, etc.) into the Dolphin Centre. This should mean the full (possibly more) space enjoyed now in the lending section could be retained – maybe even with more books, as funds allow. This would then release a large amount of space in the ex-lending and children’s libraries for other community uses. One in particular could provide accommodation for something like the Bridge Arts Project. The space could be divided into areas, and the gallery and other wall spaces could be used for Arts Projects exhibitions, which are likely to be seen by many more people than at their current premises. I believe that a town centre venue would be a much better location for the Bridge. The Bridge generates some funds, I believe which could, hopefully, be increased. . More funding could be raised by other groups using that part of the library; it could remain open for evening classes, which I don’t believe that it is at present. A small cafe for library users run by volunteers could raise more funds. A small annual subscription, such as £5 per head, would raise most of the funding currently used to run and maintain the library. This may not be allowed legally yet, but should change if local councils have to become self-funding. I understand that the estimated cost for moving the Central Library into the DC now stands at over £1m. This amount could be spent instead in continuing to fund the £300,000 p.a. (the current figure given for running the library) for three years whilst the new services became up, running and, hopefully, viable. Lewisham has published a short document about Community Library Services, which ‘are an exciting development that sees council library services....run by community organisations, providing a mix of activities for local people’. This 'saves money by the Council transferring library buildings to the community and to reorganise the remaining service'. Of course, as a Council, you need to be willing to consider proposals such as the one above and to enable the community to do something to help themselves. Please don't let Darlington fade into a derelict wasteland, which nobody wants to live in or visit. Wouldn't it be preferable for the council to be part of the town's revitalization and a more promising, exciting and vibrant future? |
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) We need to retain the Crown Street library and Covered Market. Sell assets Dolphin Centre and Civic Theatre. With the best intentions council tax has been too low for a long time, hence the shortfall in government funding with comparable councils in the South. Move the registrars to the Crown Street library. A much better facility for Births, Deaths and particularly Marriages. Saving money on alterations to the Town Hall. (the Registrars make money for the council). With immediate effect place Ada Burns on redundancy notice. We cannot afford such a highly paid individual in the present circumstances. We appear not to be getting value for money. Question To maintain the status quo, i.e. retain the Covered Market and Crown Street Library, how much would council tax have to be increased? |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) Financially you figures do not stack up spending , at this huge amount it would take 5 years or more to spend on the existing arrangements . If you have that much space the leisure centre hire it out to other organisations |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) It has been stated that you could apply for the covenant to be removed but as the library was given to the town & not the Council this could be challenged particularly as there is such a strong feeling against closure in the town. |
Core EffR19 (Senior Management costs) As the number of employees at the Council have considerably reduced the senior management should be reduced more than you have proposed. Are you reluctant to do this because in the past you have paid out very excessive redundancy payments far in excess of the statutory maximum of £14250? I note in the current proposals the redundancy pay is listed as TBC. |
Core LLE4 (Civic Theatre) How much did it cost whilst it was not being used as an Arts Centre? Why are we paying so much for theatre Hullaballo when it is not specifically for Darlington children? If the Civic Theatre refurbishment does not go ahead will that mean the will be more money available for libraries? Apart from ambiance the library has good natural light which is good for reading. |
Core LLE20 (Street Lighting) 1. Reduce the number of Counsellors - we do not need more than one active counsellor in our or other wards. 2. Turn off the street lights at midnight - research has shown that this does not increase crime or road accidents. 3. Remove free parking from all counsel employees. |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) The consultation is about moving the library to another venue, other use for the donated library building, staffing leveles, needs of the public etc. Your heading on the council website is extremely misleading and probably attempting to be positive rather than give the FULL picture. .this is not transparency by the Council !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) There is little time now for the people to take in the shocking news, come up with other ideas etc. No wonder it all seems untransparent as usual. You have had all this time to propose amongst yourselves and plan. then it presented as a fait accomplis. Why then should we ever want to vote again for situations like this You wouldn't if the boot was on the other foot. |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) The fact that the proposals highlight ‘modern environment’ as a benefit of the move to the Dolphin Centre underlines that the council clearly have no regard for this point, but if you try to book a place on one of the massively popular Heritage Day tours of the library it is immediately obvious. The floor area specified for Crown Street library would appear to be hugely inaccurate. I suspect that the vast storage area in the basement has not been included, so the proposals mask the truth of the amount of material which will be lost to the town. Rather than simply reacting to one budget cut after another the councils needs to take an innovative approach. The suggestions made at the ‘Another Way’ public meeting may need a lot of work to bring them to fruition but it is clear from the public reaction to the prosed closure of Crown Street library that the council should make every effort to make them work. Allowing Darlington for Culture to have 6 months to put together a plan is the least that the council can do, if there is a genuine interest in making the proposals work. The proposal for a community library in particular needs to be investigated. I understand that North Yorkshire County Council have already begun to successfully implement this arrangement. Bilton and Woodfield library in Harrogate is now a community library and work is ongoing to turn Catterick, Colburn and Leyburn library into another. Darlington council need to investigate this option and learn from what has already been achieved in North Yorkshire. The proposal of Shaun Campbell to attract funding for a sporting heritage centre also needs to be investigated further. It would be more suitable to a location in the Dolphin Centre than in Crown Street but in principle it seems like a sensible suggestion. The council would be remiss if they fail to harness the energy and goodwill of both Shaun Campbell and Darlington for Culture, who appear to have achieved more for the town in recent years than have the elected members. |
FF 52f (Libraries – Local Studies) This level of access must be maintained as it has low overheads and meets the needs of the majority of users. An appointment system will lead to a huge reduction in the use of the service as it will be impractical. Researchers need to be able to ask for additional material straight away, as their work uncovers new lines of enquiry. Having to book a second appointment will make the service very difficult to use. I am concerned that it will be impossible to accommodate all of the archive material in the Dolphin Centre. The figures provided for the floor area of Crown Street seem to have excluded the vast amount of storage currently utilised in the basement of the library. Rather than shoehorning an inadequate service into the Dolphin Centre I would prefer to see the Local Studies Centre relocated to the Head of Steam, to tie-up with the existing Ken Hoole study centre and to form part of the Darlington Heritage Campus. This would free up space in Crown Street for commercial activities which would support the upkeep of the library service. The alternative, which I expect would see the excess material sent to Durham County Record Office, would be a tragic loss to the town, for which the council should be ashamed. |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) |
Core EffR19 (Senior Management costs) This figure is very likely to be considerably exceeded if you look at the Council's record on previous estimates viz. Pedestrian Heart Haughton Road footbridge Link Road Multi storey car park These large sums of extra money being required have occurred even though you have paid over the odds for your senior management who should have had the experience to prevent them occurring. |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) |
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) |
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) |
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) |
Core LLE2 (Libraries Service) |
Core LLE2 (Libraries Service) |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) |
Cut W05 (Cockerton Library) |
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) |
Cut W12 (Grounds Maintenance, Horticulture, Parks and Countryside Management) |
Core LLE2 (Libraries Service) |
Core EffR19 (Senior Management costs) |
Cut W09 (Creative Darlington) |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) |
Cut W05 (Cockerton Library) |
Cut W05 (Cockerton Library) |
Cut W04 (Library - Local Studies) |
Cut S14 (Strategic Grant Budget) |
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) |
FF 52e (School Crossing Patrols Provided to Existing Standards) Public Opinion: I have spent 3 full days in all weathers, with others helping, outside the Library, Wilkos, Post Office, High Row collecting signatures on the Echo coupons asking for more time. People crossed the road to sign, queued up to sign, stopped what they were doing even with little children, shopping, on lunch break. People were of ALL ages, gender, physical ability, ethnicity. From ALL OVER the town. They spontaneuously and practically unanimously expressed their anger that yet another piece of Darlington's history was under threat. That the Library building was important because it was given to the townspeople and they want to keep it as a library. That they most certainly did not want to use a library in the Dolphin as it is an unsuitable environment. There were teenagers, young families, all kinds of people, making these statements equally vehemently. Some people were concerned about limited access - what if the lift breaks down in the Dolphin and they can;t manage the stairs. Some people don;t like lifts and can;t manage the stairs. There are already queues for the ground floor toilets at times and they don;t like lifts. The overwhelming anger at the Council was shocking and upsetting. It would be a grave mistake to sell off Crown Street that people will never forget. Suprise was expressed by a single person in the public budget meeting that most people were there about the Library, that they were more concerned about losing a building than services for broken people. I have been told a number of times over the last 15 years that this is the Council's belief. I do not think your voters are with you on this and I have spoken to a great many. We all know that we live in a digital world, and book borrowing is falling. However there is a nationally recognised 'digital divide' of 20% of people who do not have access to digital services. This is not a valid reason to close Crown Street. There is plenty of scope to revitalise the need for libraries as centres for equal, accessible, neutral, comfortable access to knowledge, learning, creativity, words in a comfortable space but with a digital emphasis and a cafe. The need for libraries to provide their traditional roles digitally is needed more than ever. It is also needed more than ever because of the increasing number of people arriving in our town with little or no access to our language and culture. The Library is a perfect place for them to be made welcome, and for us all to learn to communicate and share and value our differences. The Library WILL be smaller despite claims that it will be the same. It will be less than half the size of Crown Street's ground floor. And there are no plans for where the archives, art collection and art gallery will go which constitute the other half of the space in Crown Street. Local Studies will be much reduced accessibility on an appointmenets system. This is despite the numbers of people using it last year being 17,200. Alternatives: £330,000 needs to be sacrificed from the Futures Fund to replace the funding that having the Library in the Dolphin would contribute to its costs. I suggest that this could be found: £66K The Mayoral costs £60K Eastbourne Sport Centre which is running at a loss, hoping to break even in 2021. This is hardly fair to accommodate another sports facility when the Crown Street is being put under threat. £40K Festival of Thrift. I don't see this as adding greatly to the town. £60K Interest from the proposed Loan which would be unnecessary if the Library stayed in Crown Street £50K Halve the amount spent on stock every year by the Library. £50K Replace some School Crossing staff with volunteers. £325K |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) |
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) Do be so stupid Dixon I quote "alongside the essential services that protect the most vulnerable in our society" you sack social workers who work with mental health. You taken money from Darlington Mind and other mental health care and you say protect the most vulnerable people of this town. You are joking right? I am sick of hearing how poor this council is when you knew the cuts were going to happen and the damage it will do. Called save something for the bad times you know when you have a lot you can put someway for a bad day then help your vulnerable people Now you lot want to rape the town of its library and the heritage. You seem to be getting a lone in which I and yourself will be paying back over years how thick can you get? As you want to shift a perfectly great library into a dull place which building can’t even stand up and had more work do on it since it was built and loosing money daily so you shove my library in that hell hole I think not. Cost you more in sacking staff but as pointed out to me it would be a one off payment sure it will but its costing you to do it when asked how much it will cost I have no clue well thank you at least you are right you have not a clue. You manage to find money for the indoor scruffy indoor Market which is hardly used and is a waste of money in fact you can get the diggers in be much better than see some out of date stalls and some idiot veg man Blair shoving his two penny worth talking utter crap which is nothing new. Leave the library as is (save you money) Put the out door market back into the square where it was and stop selling crap in which I can buy in a charity shop (bring people back) Rip up the pedestrian heart as it cost you more in cleaning it (save some money) Sell off council land at a sensible price which you over estimated as its greed and build bus station (that you can charge the bus companies made you more money) Sack the Ada Brown who ever she is (6 figure saved) Cut your own council wage by half you can manage I have to feel the pain so can you (more savings) Loose the Dolphin centre it been eating money ever since it was open and loosing more daily (another massive saving) Get rid of the expenditure for which you can claim for (save you money) Sack few civic staff like the Corn Mill that waste of money No money for Bowling club at Morrison’s Shut the council office (sorry that was a joke by the way) Build homes on South Park green field area be great for making more money from selling the land and creating tax (that's is not a joke) Build homes in West end affordable homes so you can home the Hawkers and gypsy of the town and like me you can put up with them (that is not a joke then we be equal See Dixon I done your job in less than a minute. They you go I've saved you money. Since I have been slam with 4% rise on my tax and will go up as you are getting kick by the government can I have my lane clean at some point in time as its look like a shit hole as you sacked those who did do a great job at catching the fly tippers and put before the courts. Just that my lane door is full up with off cuts of carpets, rubbish bags, we also have broken mirror, dog shite, and rags and brick in my lane. Don't you worry its not in your area so you will not have to look at it. Thank you. |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) We appreciate only too well the constraints that have been faced in the light of Government spending settlements and resultant grant reductions. However, authorities are now seeing the dis-benefits of excessive borrowing in the past to incur expenditure beyond realistic means but the ways in which Darlington Council is now looking to address the requirement will do nothing more than diminish the little* this town has to offer. The cultural and educational strengths of the town have been adversely affected in the past with the closure of the Arts Centre, which removed a core location for the multiple arts activity in the town and forced organisations to seek acceptable - but not as desirable - locations; and in doing so, damaged the cultural cohesion of the town. The town regularly claims to maximize the benefit of its railway and commercial history, epitomized through the many illustrious names most associated with this, but principally the Pease family. So now, after being provided by Edward Pease as a gift to the town for the benefit of its residents, we see the Council proposing the closure of the library building (another architectural, cultural and educational facility seemingly seen to be fit for sacrifice), together with the closure of Cockerton library and the withdrawal of the mobile library service. The Crown Street library building is an iconic architectural feature of the town (one of a small number) and holds one of the best local history resources in the region. We see the maintenance of the local studies facility at Crown Street as being critical for those individuals from near and far who use its excellent services for a range of avenues of historical research and its potential decimation by the proposed relocation of the library into smaller space in a building being adapted to accommodate it is a disservice to all those who use it. Even allowing for a "fresh start" in terms of layout and facilities, we remain to be convinced that the proposed replacement library in the Dolphin Centre will be adequate replacement facility. Once the level of services - particularly in the local history resource - is diminished and probably reduced, there is little or no likelihood of restoration. Our opposition to the proposed cuts is, therefore, founded on both civic/architectural grounds and cultural/social ones. Uncertainty over the future of a fine civic building is unwelcome and the closing Crown Street and Cockerton will adversely affect the lives of thousands of people, including the diverse groups that use these valuable community resources. As Darlington for Culture has expressed previously, "libraries host a wide range of community services and groups and all this is threatened". We do not believe that savings from cuts to the library service should in any way be used to help fund the restoration of Darlington Civic Theatre. If savings are being used in this way, and the Theatre's finances have discernible deficiencies, then the core support and learning provided by the library service is being undermined in support of providing entertainment- which surely is wrong. Finally, the description of the proposed relocation into a "Hub" of activity, a piece of terminology which has recently surfaced in the media, is nothing more than a trendy effort to provide unsupportable justification for actions proposed. |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) Thank you for your help |
Cut W05 (Cockerton Library) |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) |
Cut W02 (Eastbourne Sports Complex Break Even) |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) Further to this I would request clarity on the compared capital costs which are given as £800 - £1m for Crown Street and £1m - £1.1m for the changes to the Dolphin Centre. I would ask what is included in the £800 - £1m for Crown Street and look for clarity as to which of this is really necessary and what could be saved from this estimate. In addition what of these costs would be required to be spent anyway to make the building fit for sale should an alternate use agenda be able to be followed. (Legal questions remain on this). The proposed capital costs of changing the Dolphin Centre should also be made clear as the council do not have a good history of controlling this type of expenditure. (eg The Pedestrian Heart cost over runs). |
Core EffR5 (Members Allowances) Cutting Councillor Allowances would be a popular cut; Councillors in the 1950's and 60's were lucky to get their bus fare to the meetings after a day's hard graft. |
FF 52k (Financial and debt advice and welfare rights services) Allowances.It is time that they stand up and be counted by waiving all or part of their allowances or resign to allow people who will act in a more responsible way. Could sponsors be found to keep the mobile library going eg for the fuel repairs etc. |
Core LLE13 (Refuse and Recycling Collection and Waste Disposal) |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) 1) I oppose the transfer of this facility to the Dolphin Centre. The current library location is well known and accessible to the public. It is extremely doubtful that similar facilities could be set up in the Dolphin Centre without creating a reduction in current facilities at those premises. The general public would not attend the Dolphin Centre for library services in the same numbers as currently attend the Crown Street library. 2) it is understood that the Crown Street library was gifted to the People of Darlington. Is the Council confident that it has the legal right to dispose of such a property?. 3) The anticipated selling price of the property seems extremely low for such premises. Is the valuation realistic. 4) What would a purchaser do with the premises. The town certainly does not need a further public house or eatery. 5) What restrictions will the Council place upon a purchaser to preserve the architectural features of the library? |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) - Dolphin Centre: this is NOT a core funded service, yet it is costing so much to run. it seems to have an awful lot of spare space. £3m has just been spent and another £2m is needing to be spent on its upkeep. It needs to focus on funding its core spaces, that seem to pay for themselves, and let out the rest of the space. It is just not financially sustainable, a massive drain on resources and I can;t believe all this money is being poured into it, the Library core funding as well. Crown Street is not the problem, the Dolphin is. It needs to stand up financially. What other services will be next to feed it? - The Dolphin is an alien environment for a library which is about creativity, learning, thinking, reflecting. A Sports Centre is about competition, physicality, noise and excitement. The two do not mix. - The Dolphin is a 1970s cavernous building, not built for comfort. It is an extremely poor substitute for the Crown Street building and could never have anything approaching the welcoming comfort of Crown Street. - I do not agree with any of the proposed advantages of the Dolphin: toilets: ground floor - there is one cubicle and there is always a queue, especially as this is the alternative to the closed town centre toilets. First floor 3 cubicles. As always with modern faciltiies in public places they are incredible small and poor ventilated and I avoid at all costs if i can. The Crown Street toilet could fit 6 modern toilets in it. Its very spacious, clean, fully accessible with baby changing facilities and if i have to use a public toilet this is my preference. Increase childrens space: There is a big space already in Crown Street in an airy room with good atmosphere. Cafe: I could not see a cafe apart from the existing Dolphin cafes. These would be unsuitable for quiet browsing of books and conversations. - Library in the Dolphin. Will be difficult to soundproof. It is bordered on one side by Plant. Another by the squash courts. Soft play underneath. Even the pictures do not look attractive. I have used modern libraries. They are functional at best. Crown Street is so much more. - SIZE: the Dolphin library will be 70 Square Metres SMALLER than the GROUND FLOOR of Crown Street. I wonder whether it will be big enough to accommodate any increase in use! - Archives: are much used and appreciated - almost twice as many people used them in the last year than borrowed books. Yet there is no clear provision and this will be a serverely reduced service as well. - Opening Hours: this is a misleading so called advantage. It may be open for longer, but there will be much more automation. I cannot see there is the demand for longer hours. I can;t see it is an advantage that will mean anything to anyone who does not want to lose Crown Street. - Heritage: People care about the Library in Crown Street. But from the hundreds I have spoken with, it seems to me that at least as many, if now more care and value the heritage value of the building. This building as a library must not be lost to this town. If anything, I consider this the most important aspect. Other ways must be found to fund the Dolphin Centre. - Lack of investment: Yes, everyone knows books are being abandoned in favour of digital media. But what has been done to address this - and inparticular to address the national digital divide where 20% of people do not have proper computer access. Studies commissioned by Governmnet show that the need for the core values of libraries is needed as much as ever - a neutral accessible space for all to learn and access information. Now this is increasingly being done digitally, then libraries need to be refreshed and revitalised to enable this - not shoehorned into a Leisure Centre! Recent news reports have stated that book sales are beginning to grow again as against downloaded books. And Waterstones is trading increasingly well, making a profit this year. As the advice to Government shows, a retail style environment will attract people as well as digital information. It would be a mistake to justify selling the Pease Library just because book borrowing has declined. This is short sighted and not a long term solution. I predict library use will fall if it is put in the Dolphin centre. -Access: this proposal discriminates against less mobile people. so many stairs. what happens if the lift breaks or people do not like lifts. Thereis a lift at Crown Street and far fewer stairs. |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) It is also a place that serves the less well off, and most vulnerable. It is a place where everyone is welcome (even people who have been barred from the dolphin centre). As the impact of the other cuts begin to be felt, this would be a true safe haven for people, and could be used for all sorts of support groups. I genuinely don't think some of the people who visit would feel as comfortable and likely to visit at the Dolphin Centre. As times get tough, we need to be thinking how to get the most of the assets we have, not get rid of them. There is huge potential to make even more of Crown Street and what is on offer there. The council have not given it a chance to generate an income, eg with a cafe, and do not market events well enough, or charge sufficient for events / tours etc. At the same time efforts should be focussed on what other options there are for making the Dolphin Centre generate more income and reduce costs further. For example has DBC carried out research on what facilities / activities other leisure centres in the country are offering that are proving profitable - and are there any of these that we don't currently have in the Dolphin Centre? Or are there any existing activities in the Dolphin Centre that are making money, but have capacity constraints. For example softplay parties always seem busy, but there only seems to be one room for the party food, thus limiting the parties to one per hour. The work to move the library has shown that considerable space can be made in the Dolphin Centre, so it would be prudent for DBC to now take some time to evaluate whether there are any other potential ways of using that space that could in fact put us in a better financial position than if the Library were to be moved. Often the people who have the best ideas are staff and customers, but there doesn't seem to have been any consultation with users of the Dolphin Centre as to what services they would like to see, or any suggestions they have for making cost savings / generating additional income. Please take time to pause and thoroughly assess all the possibilities rather than continue on the current course just because its one solution that has been found elsewhere to save money / increase footfall. It might be right for other towns / cities, but it just may not be the best option for our town if all possibilities were properly explored. I understand that things need to move quickly, but by pausing for a few months, we may end up in a much better financial position than the option currently on the table. |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) Darlington has lots of new venues that have opened up to generate increased income and entice more people to visit the town. New bars, clubs and gyms are popping up every second and there are always new proposals for what business will be coming to town - where is the consideration for what Darlington already has?? Crown Street is a beautiful and historic building which has housed the library for as long as I can remember. I spent time there as a child and now as an adult, I spend time there with my own child. He adores the library, he has a safe space to enjoy books and have the bonus of a calm, quiet environment. He will not get that experience in the Dolphin Centre. My son finds soft play very loud, busy and overwhelming. The idea quoted that children can "play, read a book, swim and have tea" as a treat is absolutely ridiculous and confirms that the only real motive for the council is money! Some children do not want soft play, or cheap and bland food options as a treat. Some children genuinely want to enjoy reading in a venue that they already know and love and the sooner the council realise this the better for the people of Darlington. Some of us would rather have an education, beautiful architecture and children with a love of reading than a town of binge drinkers and a cheeky nandos... |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) The people of Darlington do not want the library in the dolphin centre which in my opinion will not work as I understand it's going to be under the central hall where there is a lot of fitlab classes with loud music not conducive to a peaceful environment. |
Core LLE2 (Libraries Service) Alternatively leave the e library where it is but considerably reduce the opening hours. |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) Will these comments really be put forward for consideration and discussion ? There have been many alternative proposals and an excellent, detailed proposal from Darlington for Culture. The feelings of the people in Darlington concerning the possible closure of the libraries are strong, heartfelt and passionate. The Council will lose thousands of votes if you decide to move Crown Street LIbrary and close Cockerton library. |
Cut W03 (Library Service Mobile Library) 1. Crown Street Library was a gift to the people of Darlington by the Pease family to remain as a library forever. The building has a covenant on it which protects it as a library forever Trying to get the covenant lifted will take a long time and will be very expensive for the Council. There will undoubtedly be a large number of objections when it comes before the Land Tribunal for adjudication. 2. It would be foolish to move the library from Crown Street to the Dolphin Centre with so many issues unresolved. No one is going to buy the Crown Street building with a covenant still unresolved. 3. The Council do not have the right to sell the Crown Street library building because it belongs to the people of Darlington. The Council are the custodians of the building. 4. Closing Crown Street library, using it for a different purpose for which it was intended by the Pease Family or leaving it derelict will considerably and irreversibly damage the heritage and culture of Darlington which so many people have worked hard to protect. 5. There is no indication from the Council what the Crown Street library building would be used for if the Council does manage to get the covenant lifted and move the library to the Dolphin Centre. Moving the library to the Dolphin Centre will leave the Council with an empty building which they will have to pay to keep secure which will be expensive. What happened to the Arts Centre when it was left derelict for years and suffered vandalism will undoubtedly happen to the Crown Street building. Having a derelict building in Crown Street will blight the surrounding streets and the town centre and the shops and businesses based there. 6. Crown Street Library is well used and is greatly loved by the people of Darlington which has been clearly demonstrated by the demonstration in Crown Street and the large response to the campaign by the Northern Echo. 7. The Dolphin Centre is clearly unsuitable for housing a library. The area where the library is proposed to be located in the Dolphin Centre is 70 square meters smaller than the ground floor of the Crown Street Library. 8 Cockerton Library is well used not only for library purposes but as community hub for other services. 9. The proposals for the Local Studies Centre at Crown Street Library lacks clarity. It has been suggested that the contents will be dispersed to other Council buildings and people needing to use the service will have to make an appointment. This will discourage people from using the service. The current walk in arrangements which is extremely popular should be retained. 10 The ending of the Mobile Library will severely disadvantage people who are housebound, the elderly, the disabled, people who have illnesses and people who live in villages who do not have transport and cannot rely on public transport because the frequency of bus services have been cut back severely. I fully support the Communities Libraries Steering Group Business Case for the Future of the Library Service in Darlington and hope that the Council will work with the Steering Group to keep Crown Street and Cockerton Libraries open, the services in the buildings to continue and the Mobile Library kept serving people who find it impossible to access the libraries. |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) Why not incorporate a cafe in it or have an area where craft groups can meet. I have recently learnt to crochet but there don't seem to be any local groups in Darlington and it's becoming very popular. Crown Street library is a beautiful building and deserves to kept as a library so the next generations can enjoy and marvel at the wonderful atmosphere it has, like you have done with The Civic Theatre. Thank you for taking the time to read this. |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) With regard to extra funding for the library there is many options available that have come to light with help from supporters of the library. One example would be to remove the position of Mayor, it is an expense we could certainly live without. Another would be to reduce the amount of free travel for secondary school children. I believe that children in the town have other ways of travelling to school and the service should be scrapped for them. I do believe that either free or a low payment option for pupils outside of town is a good thing, also to keep the travel arrangements for special needs pupils. The many thousands of pounds that is used for this could easily help the library while also reducing the carbon footprint of the town. |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) This building is not DBC's to sell or even consider selling! It does not belong to you, it belngs to the people of Darlington! To sell it could probably be considered theft!! We need this facility in the town, it has so much more to offer than merely books. Much better to spend money here than on the Dolphin Centre, a good building for its designed purpose,mcertainly NOT the building to hold our lbrary!! The Dolphin Centre should be made to pay its way, NOT be allowed to go on being the recipient of what seems to be a bottomless funding pit! |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) This building was left to the people of Darlington and not the council of Darlington, it is there for the benefit of the people and not to help the council with the financial situation which they have got themselves in. There is a an alternative proposal which has been pulled together by friends of the library and i feel that you should give this serious thought given the cost to the council to continue to secure and maintain crown street until a new buyer is found and the cost to remove the convenant for which you will recieve numerous objections! In addition the costs to re-locate the library service and storage of the archives really mean that any savings you for cast are likely to be a long way off and if crown street can't be sold you could end up spending more on crown street as a closed building than a working library. https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/may/22/lambeth-council-closed-libraries-security-guards You are also spending significant money on converting the dolphin centre space for a non profit service, surely given the new restaurants and cinema you would be thinking more along the lines of chargeable entertainment services, due to proximity a bowling alley, arcades, laser quest etc would be a great addition and make Darlington centre a place for people to visit for entertainment and shop. I really hope you give the alternative proposal some serious consideration, you can add a number of income generating services to library such as those referred to in the alternative proposal. As a resident of Darlington born and bred I request that you please give the alternative proposal serious consideration. |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) |
Cut W03 (Library Service Mobile Library) I dont believe the Council have the right to sell the Crown Street library building because it belongs to the people of Darlington. The Council are only custodians of the building. Closing Crown Street library, using it for a different purpose for which it was intended by the Pease Family or leaving it derelict will considerably and irreversibly damage the heritage and culture of Darlington which so many people have worked hard to protect. Moving the library to the Dolphin Centre will leave the Council with an empty building which they will have to pay to keep secure which will be expensive. What happened to the Arts Centre when it was left derelict for years and suffered vandalism will undoubtedly happen to the Crown Street building. Having a derelict building in Crown Street will blight the surrounding streets and the town centre and the shops and businesses based there. Crown Street Library is well used and is greatly loved by the people of Darlington.. The Dolphin Centre is clearly unsuitable for housing a library. The area where the library is proposed to be located in the Dolphin Centre is much smaller than the ground floor of the Crown Street Library. Cockerton Library is well used not only for library purposes but as community hub for other services. The plans for the Local Studies Centre at Crown Street Library is unclear. Rumours that the contents will be dispersed to other Council buildings and people needing to use the service will have to make an appointment wiill discourage people from using the service. The ending of the Mobile Library will severely disadvantage people who are housebound, the elderly, the disabled, people who have illnesses and people who live in villages who do not have transport and cannot rely on public transport. I am in support of the Communities Libraries Steering Group Business Case for the Future of the Library Service in Darlington and hope that the Council will work with the Steering Group to keep Crown Street and Cockerton Libraries open, the services in the buildings to continue and the Mobile Library kept serving people who find it impossible to access the library buildings. |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) Has an air test within the proposed Dolphin Library area been commissioned to give Councillors the accurate readings of humidity and chemical presence? The British Library publish facts on the preservation of reference books, and details any humidity over 40'/. causes rust from the iron in ink and within old paper which causes foxing! |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) |
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) The market should be council owned but not council run. The stall holders are all business people and quite capable of running the market more efficiently. Crown Street Library should be retained and be a hub. The council should take the opportunity of working with Darlington for Culture and it's positive proposal. The building provides space to have commercial space and even other charities who offer advise. If any council asset should be sold it should be the Dolphin Centre. The council should retain the Central Hall block and sell the rest. The Dolphin Centre is not the only sports centre in the town. There is another swimming pool open to the public as well as another sports centre. There are also a number of commercial alternatives. There is only one Market Hall and only one library service with no private alternatives. If the council proceeds with combining the library and the Dolphin Centre , the work to install an extra floor will disrupt the smooth running of the sports centre. The town's people will vote with their feet and seek other provisions ( like the remodelling of the centre ) and not return. This will kill what little life remains in our town centre. We need to fight to save what makes Darlington a pleasant place to live in and visit. |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) Darlington will have very little heritage soon. |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) |
Core EffR5 (Members Allowances) |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) Documents
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Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) Documents
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FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) Documents
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FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) Documents
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FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) Documents
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FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) Documents
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Cut W05 (Cockerton Library) Documents
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FF 52f (Libraries – Local Studies) Documents
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FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) Documents
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Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) Documents
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Cut W13 (Street Cleaning and Environmental Crime) Documents
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FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) Documents
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Cut C06 (Cease Drug and Alcohol Floating Support) People matter. Broken people, vulnerable people. The anonymous and ordinary people, the high-profile public servants, they all matter. I’m conscious that so much of the passion that has been provoked by these budget proposals has all been centred on buildings. I do not believe that Darlington will be poorer if the Central Library is relocated. I do not believe that Darlington will be poorer if the Market is in private hands. I do not believe that Darlington will be poorer if the mayor doesn’t have a nicer car. But it will be different. However, Darlington will be poorer if it doesn’t provide support for its most vulnerable citizens - those with drug and alcohol problems, those who have been abused. I’m not talking in financial terms, though of course the chaotic drug user costs the community about £70k a year if there’s no intervention. I’m talking about the moral poverty of our town. We are all diminished by such things. Close to £228k is allocated in the Future Fund to the Head of Steam. Enough to pay the salaries of nine support workers, who in turn support up to 100 vulnerable people. I believe in the people of Darlington, I believe that the solution to the issues we’re confronted with lies within our hands and we have the capacity to answer it. I want to see a future where people take responsibility for the vulnerable members of our community. Is it such a preposterous idea to ask a volunteer motorist who has a vintage car to provide transport for the mayor? I have great sympathy with those who are having to impart this dreadful news to the people of Darlington. Could I urge that the council look again at the allocations within the Future Fund? Look at it as if they’ve never seen it before, stand back from it and ask yourself whether it’s people that matter or is it buildings? Buildings exist to be used, so let us not become a town where buildings matter and the dignity of the least of our citizens is forgotten. |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) Why can’t the £1.8m given to the Council for renovating two gypsy encampments be used to keep the library open? Is it ring fenced? We have a legal obligation around the number of travellers we have in our area and we got a grant from the Government to help. That money can not be used any other purpose. I understand why the public gets confused when money is being spent on something they do not see as a priority but we have to spend it on the traveller sites. |
Cut W05 (Cockerton Library) Q: If you decide to move Crown Street Library to the Dolphin Centre, what’s going to happen to the Crown Street building? It was gifted to the people of the town by Joseph Pease. Q: Why don’t you knock down the Town Hall, move council staff into the Dolphin Centre and leave Crown Street Library where it is. Q: Closing Cockerton and Crown Street Libraries, to be replaced with something shoe-horned into the Dolphin Centre, isn’t an adequate solution. Q: Leave the library in Crown Street, a lot of people depend on it. Q: If you had a shelf of books you valued in your home, the last place you would put them is next to a bathroom. Crown Street Library should be left where it is as a legacy for our children. A: (Cllr Wallis) None of these are a done deal. These are proposals we are making. If people do not believe we should be pursuing option A, B or C they need to let us know what we should be doing. We are working with the Peases to see how they feel about the covenant. Crown Street Library is a grade II-listed building and is protected in a way that the Covered Market isn’t. There’s hundreds, if not thousands, of staff who work in the Town Hall. We can’t fit them into the Dolphin Centre. Q: What would happen to the local history books? A: We are retaining some local history facilities |
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) Q; There’s a lot of debt and a lot of people are suffering because of the debt. A lot of money has been wasted by the Council. Like the water feature, a lot of people did not want that. We are losing a lot of historical features like Cockerton and Crown Street Libraries and the market. A lot of people are proud to live in Darlington but we are losing so much of the history. We hear that suicide rates are increasing in Darlington. A lot of people will not be able to get to a Sure Start in the town centre. The town is going to be like a ghost town. A: There is a misunderstanding about what our debt it. Of the £151m about £71m is in a separate, housing revenue account and is ring fenced. £80m debut is for capital schemes – one off things that we need a large amount of money for. When we built the office block behind the Town Hall to help jobs in the town, the debt in this instance is serviced by the rent for the building. The Government has stopped giving us money to help pay off our debt. When we went into debt we thought the Government would help us. All local authorities have debt for capital schemes. The revenue budget which is being cut, is largely separate from this debt. Only a small percentage of the revenue budget goes to pay off the debt |
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) Q: You are only engaging the people now because of the ill feeling. Potentially you are going get rid of the things that matter to the people of Darlington, getting rid of the library, selling the market off to a third party. Taking the heart of the town. Why does the Dolphin centre lose £0.75m a year –is the building not fit for purpose? |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) Q: Giving people a choice between looking after the vulnerable or having a nice central library is far too polarised. If I want to go to the library it doesn’t mean I am against people getting help. A: That is the decision we have to make – we do provide services for vulnerable people and we have to balance that against services that are nice to have. We have a limited amount of money and we do have to make that decision – we have to get that balance right. It’s not political – we provide a raft of services, we have a pot of money between us we have to decide which bits to fund and which we don’t. That’s the reality of what councils do. |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) Q: I can’t cope with the notion that the library would be better in a modern building, built as a sports facility. If you go to Boro which has had to have a lot of cuts they have managed to retain their beautiful Victorian library. One of the most successful private libraries is in Newcastle and is increasingly successful. What is important to people about the town is not just about money. The arts is very important. The Bridge is going to shut - where will the services that were in the Arts Centre going to go? Will they be homeless will there be room for them in the new facility? A town must cater for its whole age range, not just for the young. A: We are one of the first local authorities in the country to take seriously what the government is saying about its grant and we are planning accordingly. Other councils like Middlesbrough haven’t done that – they are making cuts year on year but are not planning for four years and I don’t know what the impact on their library would be if they did that. Why it is hitting Darlington is because we are trying to save the services we rely on and love for the next four years. There will be number of knock on effects for people who may have ben affected by previous proposals. What I would say to them is if the decision is made to move the library how can we shape that library for the future so it incorporates the needs of the diverse user groups who use it. |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) Q: Darlington for Culture – libraries are much more than the sum of the books that are borrowed and people feel very strongly about keeping the library. We welcome the chance to have our say and make suggestions and alternatives but the main problem we have is time. We have willingness and expertise and people who want to help and keep the library where it is but what we don’t have is time. What we are asking for is much longer to put together a sustainable future for our libraries. When you see how much it would cost to move the library and decimate it I am sure it is worth us investing the time on keeping it where it is. A: This is not about decimating a library service it is about moving it to the Dolphin Centre but many of the core functions will remain and in terms of floor space it would look very similar. I appreciate how attached people are to the building it is in at the moment. There is a significant amount of risk in making the savings that have been identified, things we can’t control like children being taken into care will mean those savings can’t be realised. There is an imperative for this budget to stick together to do things as soon as possible putting off decisions would be a false economy and we have tight deadlines we are trying to stick to. |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) Q: You are talking about spending £2m to move the library for a saving of £360k per year – where’s the sense? It’s doing the job its doing where it is A: It’s £1.1m. The critical issue we have is revenue because the grant has been cut. It’s the year on year spend. This is part of the solution for the revenue problem to pay for the other services. |
Cut W03 (Library Service Mobile Library) Q: Someone has bought the Cornmill and they take into their plan the rest of the town. I thought we might have a chance here- they could look at our dear library. The library doesn’t’ make money but we don’t want to lose it. To me it’s a lot to do with communication, it’s a place for people to come, the staff get to know them, and talk to face to face with them. Library staff signpost people to other services, they are trained to know what happens and how to point people in different directions. I am upset about the mobile library because it covers villages, people living in the villages pay council tax and they deserve a mobile library. The library should be a community hub. I want it to promoted and loved. We have been chosen as a Healthy Town but where is the library in that as healthy minds? I believe the library building was donated to the people of Darlington by the Pease family and I read this covenant has been lost by the council? A: -It was at a time when the new borough council was formed when the deeds were lost. We are talking to the Pease family about the future of the building. They want to hear other people’s views. |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) Q: This meeting has been all about budgets and money what about heart and people and what makes this town where you want to live? The cuts are all aimed at services where there is genuine need. The need will still be there after you’ve made the so called savings, the needs will emerge as costs somewhere else. Most people think keep what’s working and find a way to make it work in a more thrifty way rather than move it – like putting a library in a swimming bath. You are good people and you’ve done a lot for this town please don’t make any more mistakes. A: When we were working through the proposals I never doubted how important crown street library is, to adults particularly, as it is somewhere we have grown up in. We are bearing that in mind but simply to say we are not looking at relocating services in isolation. We are looking at other places that have done similar things, this is happening elsewhere as councils look to use the limited resources they have. I take your point about where is the heart in that but there is an awful lot of bean counting that has to happen to ensure we are solvent so we can continue to provide the services to the most vulnerable. |
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) Q: I have used the library all my life – it is really vibrant. The art gallery has been used a lot more in recent years, community groups have been able to use it. What’s going to happen to that space? Over the years you have destroyed Darlington – why isn’t the market still in the market place? Why are you building a new cinema and new car parks, the cinema in Northgate is surely going to close? You are reducing street cleaning it’s disgusting. The shopping centre is deserted. A: Town centres are changing. The internet is changing it that’s why we need a multiplex cinema, and restaurants to bring people into the town centre and make it vibrant. That is the duty of the local authority to work with traders and industry to make the town centre as vibrant as possible. No-one is doubting Crown Street is a vibrant and great place to be, this proposal is not a criticism of the library. Moving the art gallery has been successful. But this proposal is driven by the numbers, it’s not a proposal we would have come up with otherwise. But there is an opportunity to create something different and maybe better but we still want to hear your views. The reason the market is not in the market place is that the tracers don’t want to be there, they want to be on high row. |
Cut W04 (Library - Local Studies) |
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) Documents
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Core LLE2 (Libraries Service) Documents
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FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) Documents
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FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) Documents
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FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) Documents
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FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) Documents
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Cut W03 (Library Service Mobile Library) Documents
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Cut W05 (Cockerton Library) Documents
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FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) Documents
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FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) |
FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) |
Cut W15 (Concessionary Fares) Documents
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