Unprecedented funds for county libraries

Over 12m has been allocated by East Sussex County Council to build new libraries in Hastings, Newhaven and Seaford '“ a record amount of funding for libraries in the County.

The cash boost is on top of a near 1 million refit and refurbishment at Eastbourne Library which was recently completed by the County Council and a near half million pound upgrade at Bexhill Library carried out last year.

The new Hastings Library will cost 6.2m and East Sussex County Council hopes to start work on the project next year. The Library will be the biggest boost made by the County Council to library services in Hastings for decades.

1.2 million has been allocated by the County Council for the planned new library at Newhaven. Working with Rees Elliot Ltd it is hoped that design work will begin this year with work starting on site early 2010, subject to planning agreement.

The Council recently gave the green light to the new Seaford Library/Adult Social Care development. The 5m project will be located on the Warwick House site in Sutton Park Road and will include a brand new library, adult day care centre and supported living flats. It is hoped that work will start in 2010/11, subject to planning agreement.

For further information about the County Council's Library Service and the online services available, please visit www.eastsussex.gov.uk/libraries.