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GREEN LIGHT FOR NEW CENTRAL LIBRARY
Photograph
by Patrick Trollope
THE biggest government-backed library development in the country has been given the green light.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has awarded Liverpool City Council more than £31.5 million through PFI to revamp Central Library on William Brown Street, and transform it by the time the city is European Capital of Culture 2008.
The scheme will see a radical remodeling of the Central Library that will preserve the heritage of the building, and include a stunning new entrance, 18,000 square metre library and space for 250 public computers - double the present number.
Councillor Warren Bradley, Executive Member for Leisure and Culture,
said:- "We are set to open a new chapter in the Central Library story, and I am absolutely delighted.
By 2008, we will have a 21st Century library and archive with the Walker Art Gallery, new museum and the refurbished St George's Hall all within a stones throw of each other - and located within a World Heritage site! No other city can offer as much culture on one street."
Once completed, the Central Library will become one of the key buildings in the city's World Heritage site, with customer numbers expected to rise from 600,000 to over 1 million a year.
Previously, the city council had only secured enough PFI 'credits' to fund part of the rebuilding, with the remaining money dependant upon a successful bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund.
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BREWERS BACK DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE MESSAGE
DRINK drive deaths continue to rise, despite legislation to thwart the criminal offence, almost 6 per cent increase in the number of road accidents in the past year were related to those ignoring the ban.
Reported drink driving related casualties are at their highest since 1990, with 20,000 cases reported, according to figures from the Department for Transport.
To combat the temptation for even the smallest tipple, Brewers Fayre and Brewsters restaurants UK wide are encouraging drivers to think before they drive and are offering customers booking their Christmas party a free drink for the designated driver.
A spokesperson for the Think! Road Safety campaign says:- "There is no failsafe guide as to how much you can drink and stay under the limit as this depends on the type of drink, and factors such as your weight, sex, age and metabolism. We'd urge partygoers to remember: if you're planning to drive, don't drink any alcohol, during the festive season, or at any other time of the year."
Current alcohol limits can encourage drivers to think they can get away with the odd one or two drinks when out socially - and it is especially the case during the Christmas party season.
Brewers Fayre and Brewsters restaurants in St Helens are willing customers to think about their travel arrangements before they get to the restaurant.
The 'designated driver' scheme aims to support the Christmas time drink-driving campaign, by asking customers to give the drivers details to the restaurant when making their Christmas bookings.
"Christmas is all about enjoying the festivities and we want our guests to revel in the atmosphere and activities going on at the restaurant throughout December," comments Suzanne Ryder, marketing manager at Brewers Fayre. "We have put the designated driver scheme in place to provide a gentle reminder about being cautious this Christmas, as well as give the drivers something to smile about!"
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