Museum and library could move to market
MOVES are afoot to relocate the town's museum and its library into the Market Hall building, the Mail can exclusively reveal.
The controversial decision would raise a huge question mark over the future of traders' stands at the Northampton Road hall, which has been used as a covered market since 1993.
It came to light this week after sources at both the county and district council told the Mail that museum and library officials had recently visited the hall to scope its suitability as a possible location.
Official spokesmen for both authorities yesterday (Wednesday) refused to deny this project was being considered.
It comes a week after angry councillors accused Harborough Council of pushing ahead with plans to relocate its headquarters to a site on the town's outskirts without consulting the public. It is considering a move from its Adam and Eve Street home to the St Luke's Hospital site in Leicester Road. The museum and library, which are run by County Hall, are housed in the district council's headquarters.
District councillor Phil Knowles (Lib Dem) said: "The matter of the possible move of the council offices and the future of the museum and library are all subjects that are clearly of concern to the whole community.
"People feel uncomfortable when uncertainty is in the air and the situation as it currently exists is feeding rumour upon rumour. The council's comments regarding the future use of the Market Hall does nothing to offer any certainty about the future of the market, the Market Hall or the site in general.
"It really is so very important that all options that are being considered are put onto the table and that people are actively invited to join in the debate."
A district council spokesman said: "It has been known for a number of years the matter of the Market Hall and the council offices as assets of the council have been under discussion. As part of the considerations for the future use of those assets, the council will consider all the options open to it. There are no specific plans currently, regarding the future use of the Market Hall."
A spokesman for County Hall said: "The council's property strategy aims to save money by locating certain functions within district council offices and discussions are continuing. However, no final decisions have been taken on where the library, museum or other county council functions will move to, if Harborough district council leaves its current home."
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Weather for Harborough
Sunday 05 February 2012
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Temperature: 1 C to 4 C
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