PRESSURE is mounting on Southampton City Council to reopen a much-loved library.
Cobbett Road Library in Bitterne Park closed last year due to the pandemic but did not reopen.
Since operator Social Care in Action (SCiA) pulled out, the council has been looking for a new partner with a view to relaunch the site later this year.
However, residents who have described the library as a much-needed hub, are calling for it to reopen as soon as possible.
Roberta Communian, who used to take her son there regularly, said: “My son, Leonardo, is a pupil at the local Bitterne Manor Primary.
“He was there on Monday with other children to ask for the library to re-open as soon as possible, because he missed the library and the craft activities.
“The library used to be a destination for local schools and used to run children’s clubs, a baby and toddler group and the Summer Reading Challenge for local children who now have to travel to Bitterne or Portswood to access books.”
Fellow campaigner, Tim Forcer said: “There has been no service there, not even pick-up or drop off, since SCiA pulled out.
“We know the council is trying to obtain a new partner organisation to take over Cobbett on a long-term basis but feel frustrated that this is taking far longer than originally stated.
“It is clear that there is still a need in the area for the many services and activities which Cobbett used to host, and we hope it won't be much longer before these can start to be restored.”
Cllr Toqeer Kataria, Cabinet Member for Communities & Customer Engagement, Southampton City Council wants to reassure residents on the library's future.
He said: “As the former arrangement at Cobbett Road Hub and Library has come to an end, we are working to find an alternative supplier that meets the needs of the Bitterne community in a robust and sustainable way.
“We received three expressions of interest to take over the library building and its services.
"This formal procurement process is continuing during July while we are seeking clarifications to ensure the bidders’ proposals are deliverable, before appointing a new operator.
"Officers have recently met with the Friends of Cobbett Road Library (FoCRL) to update them on progress and will continue to do so.
“We hope the library will be open and delivering valuable services by the end of this year.”
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