THE RETURN of a well-loved and missed community library is on the cards as the council discusses plans with potential partners.

Southampton City Council revealed that it’s in discussions with two community partners to support the running of a new offer at Cobbett Road Hub and Library.

This comes after frustrated parents and residents called for the valued community space to be reopened.

It closed in 2021 following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Councillor Toqeer Kataria, cabinet member for communities said: “We are pleased that following a tender process, we are in discussion with two preferred partners to take over the running of Cobbett Road Hub and Library.

READ MORE: Parents and campaigners call for library to reopen

“The council will now support these organisations through the next stage of the process and no further announcements will be made until that has been concluded.

“Thank you to the residents of Bitterne Park and the Friends of Cobbett Road Library for your patience as we work to find a sustainable offer that will benefit the local community in the coming years.”

Despite the closure at the beginning of 2021, the building has continued to be used for a variety of activities including exercise, wellbeing and homework support groups, and the Friends of Cobbett Road Library have been maintaining the gardens.

Cobbett Road Hub and Library has been part of the city’s community partnership library offer since 2016, together with four other community led libraries in Weston, Millbrook, Burgess Road and Thornhill which will be continuing.

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