A CONSERVATIVE councillor has raised concerns over the delayed re-opening of Baillieston Library which isn’t likely to open to the public until late August.

Councillor Phillip Charles says he was “shocked” to discover that the facility would not open until the end of the summer and residents having to wait another four months was completely unacceptable.

Glasgow Life says the building will remain closed to allow necessary adjustments to ensure the building follows Covid-19 safety precautions.

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Councillor Charles said: “While most other libraries across the city will be welcoming visitors in the coming weeks, Baillieston residents will have to wait another four months to access their own local facilities. This is completely unacceptable.

“It seems Baillieston residents should have taken the words ‘travel further’ literally as they have been put at a significant disadvantage over the summer months when local people would have rightly been looking forward to accessing such a crucial community facility after months of closure.

“In the coming weeks I’ll be looking to engage with Glasgow Life to see what steps can be taken to accelerate the re-opening of Baillieston Library and hope that Councillor McDonald is able to respond to the concerns of Baillieston residents on this matter.”

Glasgow Life has confirmed that Baillieston Library will reopen by the end of August if not sooner. They have said that modifications need to be carried out to ensure the building complies with the Government’s Covid safety regulations.

A spokesperson for Glasgow Life, said: “Baillieston Library will reopen at the end of August. Unlike other venues that have previously reopened and can do so again more quickly, Baillieston Library is reopening for the first time since March last year and needs to be modified to ensure it complies with the Scottish Government’s guidance, which includes meeting physical distancing requirements, introducing one-way systems and installing hand-sanitising stations and screens.

“As has been our priority throughout the pandemic, we have a responsibility to ensure the return of our staff and the public is managed safely. If it is possible to bring the reopening date for Baillieston Library forward, then we will inform the local community at the earliest possible opportunity."

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Chairman of Glasgow Life councillor David McDonald added:“Earlier in the year the SNP City Government secured £100 million for Glasgow Life which allowed the charity to extend its openings from 60 venues to 90, all across the city. This larger reopening programme takes a lot of preparation and behind the scenes work to ensure venues reopen safely and in line with all Covid-19 protocols.

"If it was left up to Glasgow’s Tories none of these extra venues, including Baillieston, would be opening. In fact the Tories proposed a cut to Glasgow Life’s and the closure of 2 community venues in their Budget proposals just a few months ago.”