A funding application for a library in Springfield submitted by Essex County Council has been rejected by the Big Lottery Fund. Although 58 authorities across England were given £80 million to extend or build new libraries, there was nothing at all for Springfield.

Speaking about the failed bid Liberal Democrat Mike Mackrory, county councillor for Springfield said: “This is the latest frustration in the long running saga to build a new library in Springfield. It is hard to believe that after 14 years of lobbying, the land is in place but the bricks are not.

It is particularly disappointing that the bid application was flawed because the county council failed to take account of one of the main criteria. This round of funding saw money awarded to councils all over the country and to other county councils in a similar situation to Essex. I can only hope that we can find other funding sources to finally get this much needed facility for the local community.