Lynne Featherstone

Liberal Democrats have vowed to press for improvements to a much-loved local library that Haringey Labour once tried to close.

This follows a useful consultation meeting last night on the future of the Muswell Hill library site, where local Lib Dem councillors, library campaigners and Haringey Council officials gave their views.

Lib Dem Cllr Gail Engert says the idea to expand the site to the rear of the building (into an existing car park owned by the council) is very popular with her constituents. Building at the rear of the existing site will almost double the footprint of the building. It will also allow for installation of a lift, bringing the upper floor into use for disabled residents.

Haringey Council reckons the scheme would cost at least £355,000, and spending is also needed to bring the existing building up to standard. The ideas will now go before the Labour-controlled Council Executive.

Lib Dem councillor Gail Engert (Muswell Hill) comments:

“This was a useful consultation exercise, as there is clearly a wide consensus among councillors and library campaigners that improvements should be made on the existing site if at all possible, as the library ismuch loved and very centrally located.

“Muswell Hill gets few resources from the Council and this is one relatively small project that would really benefit the area. The Council must therefore do all it can to secure the necessary funding.”