A FORMER library building is set to be given a new lease of life as a children’s nursery.

Howgill Family Centre has lodged an application with Cumberland Council to transform the disused Kells Library building on High Road in Whitehaven into a nursery.

Howgill currently owns a centre at Catherine Street in Whitehaven, and runs a family centre at Birks Road in Cleator Moor and a nursery from a portable building in the grounds of St Mary’s Catholic Primary School on Kells.

A design and access statement submitted with the plans says that the portable building is nearing the end of its usefulness and requires expensive maintenance to continue to operate.

The statement goes on to say: “Howgill received the ownership of the redundant Kells Library two years ago with the intention of converting it to replace the current provision at Kells.

“Howgill is currently applying for funding to support this venture but due to continuing deterioration of the portacabin, needs to move to the Kells Library by September 2023 to continue safe operation of its nursery.”

Proposed works to the building include replacing the windows, adding signage to the front of the building and carrying out internal alterations to provide toilets and a changing area for children and babies.

The plans say there is currently no other childcare facility on Kells or South Whitehaven which is accessible to all families and the provision is “vital” to continue to support these families.

Howgill Family Centre has delivered services for at least 40 years in Whitehaven.

The charity’s mission is to support local families to access childcare, support and services, and to address issues of child poverty in the area.