Library plan suffers a cut

THE new Lewes Library scheme is having to be cut back. The estimated final bill for the present design is about 3.4 million - 400,000 more than previously thought.

And as it looks as though the Friends of the Library will be unable to raise their 500,000 quota towards the Friars Walk project, there is likely to be a total shortfall of around 850,000.

The likely casualty will be a floor containing a literature and performing area which would have been an extra facility.

A county council spokesman said: 'People in Lewes can rest assured that the commitment to provide a new library in the town is as strong as ever - 1.9 million in our capital programme is clear evidence of that pledge.

'The county council and Library Friends have agreed with regret, however, that they cannot now proceed with the current scheme.

'With the culmination of increasing costs and a funding gap that is impossible to bridge, they do not believe that the current scheme is achievable.

'They agree they should now focus their efforts on a revised design. This will still achieve the original aim of replacing the outdated existing library in Albion Street with a new, improved library on a prime site with very much better access and facilities for all.'

Cllr Meg Stroude, member for community services, said: 'We will now focus our efforts on working up a revised design and then building a new library for Lewes as soon as possible.

'We very much hope that the Friends will continue their fundraising efforts. Any extra funding will be very important in providing enhancements to the scheme that the council couldn't otherwise afford.'

Joy Preston, chairman of the Lewes Library Friends, who hope to raise 50,000, said: 'We must face the fact that we will not be able to bridge the funding gap of the current scheme.

'We are pleased that the council has once again made its commitment to building a library very clear and recognises the tremendous goodwill generated by the library appeal.

'There is still a positive way forward. My opinion is that our vigorous fund-raising should continue and that we should be involved - as we have been invited to be - in planning the revised library design.'

Michael Craven, director of arts for Southern and SouthEast Arts, said: 'We also recognise the risks inherent in this ambitious project and the reasons why it can't now go forward despite everyone's best efforts.'

The timetable for the revised library will still meet the requirements of the agreement with Lewes District Council signed when the Lewes House site was acquired for the project. The county hopes to make a start on the new library building in early 2004, subject to the necessary approvals.