Former Balloch Library to be sold - despite last ditch SNP move to block sale

Get the latest Daily Record breaking news on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info

Join us on WhatsApp

The former Balloch Library building on Carrochan Road will be sold, despite a last ditch attempt to block its disposal.

Labour councillors on WDC’s infrastructure, regeneration and economic development (IRED) committee gave the green-light to sell the facility to McVey and Burns Property Investment Limited for a figure of £150,000 plus VAT.

They say that five offers were received ranging from £70,000 to £150,000 with the proposal from McVey and Burns Property Investment Limited being considered to be the most attractive. If proposals are approved, the firm plans to turn the site into a residential development.

Last year the cash-strapped local authority pushed ahead with plans to relocate the library within the Balloch School Campus - that is already home to two primary schools and an early learning centre.

That was despite fierce opposition from parents and residents, who staged a vigil, organised a petition that gathered more than 2,000 signatures and even mounted a legal challenge.

However WDC leader Martin Rooney said the relocation was the only way to save jobs, with it hoped that the decision could save WDC around £50,000 annually.

And last week the SNP’s Chris Pollock launched a last-ditch bid to block the sale, and attempt to find a way to move the building into community ownership.

He said: “Were any of the other four bids community based, for a group similar to a library to use it as a community space in the Lomond Ward.”

Councillor Pollock was informed that no community groups had submitted bids.

Haldane councillor Hazel Sorrell, of Labour, said that there were none capable of taking on the building.

She explained: “I don’t think there are any community groups in the Lomond Ward that would be able to take on the building and pay that amount of money.

“I’m quite involved in community groups and it was looked at, but unfortunately they weren’t able to raise the funds required.”

SNP member for Dumbarton Councillor Pollock then submitted an amendment that said: “Committee notes the community opposition to the closure of Balloch Library, the significant unhappiness with the reduced space library services now within a school building.

“To sell off the library building would be to kill all hope for the people of Lomond ward having a public building to enjoy community activities alongside traditional library activities.

“Therefore committee agrees that the sale should not go ahead whilst further exploration of funding streams for a proper library are investigated.”

Whilst Labour’s David McBride added: “It’s predictable but disappointing that the SNP have come up with yet another motion to delay something.

“I don’t think that they realise the financial reality facing the council.

“The Scottish Government have left this council on its knees, and unfortunately the SNP group need to wake up and smell the coffee in realising that we can’t hold onto buildings for the sake of it.

“We don’t have the finances to operate them and we need the resources back with the council. Every time we get resources back in, that’s a service saved.”

The SNP amendment was defeated by six votes to four.

Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.