Library under doctor's orders?

Carr Clough has already gone under the hammer for an undisclosed sum and usage while future owners of the Brooklands and Polefield branches have until the end of today to submit proposals and tenders for the buildings.

With council chiefs remaining tight-lipped about the Carr Clough development and the current tenders for the remaining two branches, the Bury Times can reveal one possible option for the Polefield site is for use as a doctor's surgery.

Dr Raymond Brosnan, who is currently based at the Prestwich Health Centre, hopes to transfer his surgery to the Polefield Road building in an effort to increase the range of medical services to the local residents.

Confirming his bid for the library, Dr Brosnan said: "I know there have been other tenders submitted to Bury Council for the Polefield property and I will just now have to wait until the authority has made its decision."

The closure of the three branches follows this year's £12.4 million council cuts with the authority keen to meet current and future spending levels set by the government. Mr John Carter, libraries manager with Bury Council, said all the Prestwich branches would continue to operate until firm dates have been set for the hand over of the buildings to their new owners.

"There will certainly not be closed until into the New Year."

Bury Council chiefs have pledged any surplus savings made from the closure and sale of the branches will be ploughed back into services in Prestwich.

This is to particularly ensure the revamp of the Longfield Centre, which includes Prestwich's main library, will bring the greatest possible benefits to Prestwich.

Council leader, Derek Boden said the authority was reluctant to see the three branches close but added "in combination with the Longfield Centre, it may open an exciting opportunity for Prestwich."

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