Temporary library replaces fire-hit service

A temporary library has opened more than a year and a half after a suspected arson attack forced the closure of a permanent facility.

Three youngsters were arrested on suspicion of deliberately starting a fire at Roose Library, in Barrow, in May 2023, but no charges were brought.

A replacement has now be installed in the building next to Barrow Leisure Centre.

Westmorland and Furness Council said it had considered a number of options for the temporary facility, describing the new venture as a "positive step".

Located in the ATP building, it will be open for 35 hours each week, including Saturday mornings.

As well as a children's area, it has IT facilities and offers a range of activities such as a games club and ancestry group.

The local authority said the building became available late last year, "providing an option to re-establish some of the Roose Library services that had been lost following the fire".

It added: "Being so close to the leisure centre, Barrow Park, schools and shops, we're hoping it will also be convenient to combine a visit to the library with other trips and activities.

"We recognise this has taken time, but the opening of Roose Temporary Library @ Barrow Park is a positive step and we thank library users for their understanding and patience during this period."

The council is continuing to work with people in the area to find a permanent library facility, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Since the fire, library users have been asked to use alternative facilities in the area, with the nearest being Barrow Library in Ramsden Square.

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