Understand
Campaigners criticise plans to turn closed Liverpool library into a betting shop
Overview
Campaigners and local representatives have criticised plans by BoyleSports to convert part of the closed Breck Road Library in Anfield, Liverpool, into a betting shop. The library has been shut since late last year following a rent and debt dispute between Liverpool City Council and the Alt Valley Community Trust. Under the planning application, a smaller unit would be offered for community use at a discounted rate, but campaigners argue the area already has a surplus of bookmakers and needs a proper library facility.
Key points
- Breck Road Library in Anfield, Liverpool, has been closed since late last year following a rent and debt dispute.
- BoyleSports has submitted a planning application to convert the site into a bookmakers, dividing the building into two units.
- Campaigners, including Save Liverpool Libraries, have criticised the plans, arguing the area already has too many betting shops and needs a functioning library.
- Liverpool City Council stated that no decision has been made yet regarding the planning application.
- The council noted that Everton East is set to receive £20m of government funding, with the local community involved in determining future facilities.