Kettering library faces uncertain wait for reopening date

A council has refused to be drawn on when a library will reopen due to "eye-watering costs" involved in repairing its roof.

Part of the ceiling of the Cornerstone building in Kettering collapsed during heavy rain earlier this month - with costly repairs now set to take place.

At a meeting, North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) faced calls to commit to reopening the building by next summer.

But the Conservative-controlled council said the date was "unachievable".

The Cornerstone building encompasses the historic library and the Alfred East Art Gallery which are both closed because of roofing issues.

The erection of a temporary tent over the building could take six to nine months and a full roof replacement could take up to a year.

Councillor Helen Howell, said that, though it was "extremely disappointing" that the library was forced to close, challenges with the building meant that repair work could not start immediately.

She said: "We are working as fast and as smart as possible to get this over the line, but it's an extremely complex project. Adding this unachievable date will only put this council at risk and could also cost considerably more money.

"I've seen the projected figures and it is eye-watering. We cannot just make snap decisions here - we have to do it properly, we have to consider every single resident in North Northants and what impact it has on their purse."

Labour councillor Anne Lee, said: "This Grade-II listed building is becoming so waterlogged that future repairs will become increasingly expensive.

"By refusing to accept the summer 2024 deadline the executive has laid its cards on the table that it is kicking the can down the road. Not only will Kettering residents need to make do without an art gallery but also without a library."

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