No Hyde-ing state of library

THE state of Hyde’s former library was revealed as councillors and MP Jonathan Reynolds showed exactly what is being talked about.

Something even worse that was anticipated but something that is still a ‘prime site’ – but the parliamentarian wants its Victorian features keeping.

And there is some hope among what looks like devastation.

The Union Street building has been placed on the open market, with the aim of selling it to a developer who will convert it into retirement and supported accommodation.

And whoever does purchase the 122-year-old structure, which has been empty since 2015, has a huge job on their hands.

Huge holes in the collapsing roof, birds flying around inside the façade, muck and devastation, it was a real scene of carnage.

Pretty much the only thing left standing reasonably intact is the frontage, which is hoped can be saved.

And Mr Reynolds said: “It’s worse inside than I had anticipated.

“I knew it had been the victim of quite a lot of vandalism but the damage to the roof has really damaged the insides.

“However, this is still a prime site. There’s a lot you can do with it and I’ve had a lot of emails from constituents, other parties and people expressing interest in it.

“The challenge for me is I want to see the Victorian features retained. That’s what I want more than anything else.

“People will know the front and the side are the old Victorian parts, the rest is a fairly standard brick construction.

“We’ve got to keep that heritage in the town but there’s lots that can be done with this site, so I want the council to get on with it and do it.

“And despite the state of the building, I’m optimistic about the future.”

The authority put forward a scheme last year to convert the library into 88 flats after securing a £225,000 grant.

But it – and the site of what was Tameside Technical College – is now being sold to the highest bidder.

And documents leave the prospect of it being turned into something else open, although the council will decide on any application.