1:17pm Monday 26th April 2010
By Mhairi Macfarlane
CAMPAIGNERS calling for a empty library to be re-opened for the community have gained access to the building for the first time.
Members of the St James Street Library Campaign, which is pushing to bring the building in Coppermill Lane, Walthamstow, back into use, said Friday's visit was a was a “break-through” after trying to get in since the doors were shut three years ago.
Campaigner Janet Wright said the group has been busy drafting proposals for future uses of the building, which include re-establishing a library or opening a community centre.
Ms Wright said: “We have been stuck in a circle up until now. We want to put forward proposals for community use but it has been difficult without knowing what state it is in and how much space there is.
“But it has been cleaned up and is in a good state, so now we will start straight away with our proposals. We have lots of very well drafted ideas, so it was just a question of getting in.”
Last July the council vowed to sell the building after calling off its plan to create a drug treatment centre on the site, following opposition from the group.
Ms Wright added: “Selling it is a crazy idea. We would lose the one community centre in a huge area without facilities.”
A council spokesman said: "While the Council has no immediate plans for the building, we will work to ensure the best possible deal for the taxpayer and the local community."
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