A RESCUE package to save Lyme Regis Library while also providing affordable housing and a new learning centre has been announced.

Talks are taking place to re-locate the threatened library from Silver Street to land behind The Hub youth centre in Church Street.

Lyme Regis Development Trust, LymeNET, the Diocese of Salisbury, Woodroffe School, Magna Housing Association and Dorset County Council are all involved in the discussions.

The move would see a new library built on the old playground behind The Hub, which belongs to the church, with LymeNET community learning centre also relocating there.

A new study area for Woodroffe School would also be incorporated, while the church hall would be refurbished and linked to the new resource.

The announcement was made on Monday by Lyme Regis evelopment trust’s Marcus Dixon.

Wendy Davies, chairman of Lyme Regis Development Trust, said: “We agreed with the library service that we would do some sums to see if all this stacks up – it’s all very much a grand vision rather than a firm plan.

“LymeNET is currently staffed for 38 hours a week and the library is only staffed 20 hours a week, so we could have longer opening hours without any extra costs. The school is interested in having a library/study space in the town for students.

“The church is very much looking to be part of the community. They want to refurbish the church hall, so we are visualising some nice coffee area that leads into a glass domed atrium on the land behind the Hub. We could then free up the land where the library currently is for affordable housing.”

Team vicar The Rev Jane Skinner confirmed that the church is investigating the development possibilities.

She said: “An architect from the Diocese of Salisbury has been sent down and they have responded enthusiastically to his availability. He was helpful to at least run the idea past so he could see the potential.

“I think this is a great moment of opportunity for exploring what is possible.”

Woodroffe School headteacher Dr Richard Steward said they are keen to see the Hub in use as quickly as possible and as more than a ‘social space’.

He added: “The school is very interested in creating study areas for students, with the ideal scenario involving an after school study facility, equipped with the appropriate ICT equipment, where students can do their homework or engage in independent study.

“Sixth form students are also keen to explore ways in which study facilities could be created for use during the day.”

A Magna spokesman said: “Magna is currently working with the Lyme Regis Development Trust to create a plan for affordable homes in Lyme Regis.

“This work is still in the very early stages.”

Tracy Long, Dorset County Council library service manager, said: “The proposal from the Lyme Regis Development Group is a positive step in finding solutions that could work for the local community. “It is however, important to note that the proposal is still at an early stage, and until the details are more developed, no decisions can be made.”