LIBRARY WINS TOP AWARD

A national bronze award has been presented to the council in the International Green Apple Awards 2006 for the Built Environment and Architectural Heritage.

The 2 million development which opened to the public in August last year was funded mainly by council taxpayers with support from the Lewes Library Friends.

Cllr Tony Reid, lead member for corporate resources said it was very important to get the project right and they were delighted to pick up the award.

'The Green Apple campaign recognises building projects that enhance the built environment and protect our architectural heritage. We believe that Lewes Library strikes the right balance with traditional materials used in a contemporary manner and the Green Apple judges have confirmed this. And judging by local reaction, the vast majority of residents also really appreciate the look of the library.'

Botanist and television personality David Bellamy presented the award at a ceremony in London last month.

Lewes Library was designed by architectural consultants McMorran and Gatehouse and it was built by Lewes company J Cheesmur and Sons.