STOCKTON Heath Library has reopened as Warrington's first dementia friendly library following a 12-week, £195,000 redevelopment.

The village library, on Alexandra Road, is the first in the town to benefit from Warrington Borough Council’s £1m library investment programme.

Warrington Guardian:

Improvements included full lighting replacement, redecoration throughout, a kitchenette for community group use, improved access for the community outside of library opening hours and a redeveloped space to aid third party organisations such as Stockton Heath Parish Council.

Cllr Tony Higgins, Warrington Borough Council’s cabinet member for leisure and community, said: "As part of Warrington Borough Council’s £1m library modernisation programme, the changes at Stockton Heath have been driven by a strong partnership between Warrington Borough Council, LiveWire, the SWISH ‘Friends of’ group and the Stockton Heath working group.

Warrington Guardian:

"The business case for the library established a shared vision for the library that took on the challenges of a modern society and addressed them through focused improvements including dementia friendly design and accessible community facilities.

"The vision aims to ensure the library has a sustainable future and we look forward to working with new partners moving forward.

"This redeveloped library is testament to the tireless work and commitment of the working group, as well as library staff.

Warrington Guardian:

"It’s a fantastic example of what can be achieved when partners come together for the benefit of the community."

Emma Hutchinson, managing director of LiveWire, said: "We know that libraries aren’t only about books on shelves – they have an important place in the wider community, combating social isolation and offering important resources and a place for the community to connect.

"This ethos was key to the vision behind the redevelopment of Stockton Heath Library.

"It has been so rewarding to see how the wider community has come together to support the redevelopment at all stages of the project.

Warrington Guardian:

"And LiveWire’s dedicated library staff and our partners have worked tirelessly to help achieve this vision, and to ensure that the library stock at Stockton Heath reflects the needs of the community.

"Feedback received from people throughout the opening week has been positive and encouraging and I would like to thank the community for their continued support throughout the journey and hope they enjoy using this library and continue to do so in the years ahead."