A LIBRARY which was controversially closed and nearly turned into a drug treatment centre will re-open for community use after a long-running campaign.
Residents have finally been handed the keys to the former St James Street Library building in Coppermill Lane, Walthamstow, which closed in 2007.
Campaigners secured a £150,000 charity grant earlier this year to open a community centre.
But they were dealt a serious blow when partners Alert pulled out of a deal to lease the building and it looked set to be sold off.
But after protracted negotiations the group have now managed to persuade the council to allow it to take over the building for the next 15 years.
Ruth Duncan, from the St James Street Library Campaign management committee, said: "It is fantastic.
“We have done really well and we are so happy the council is willing to support us.
“Even when he heard the news about Alert, we just thought, we have to keep trying to do what we can, because this area needs it.”
The group previously saw off an attempt by the council to create a drug treatment centre on the site and a proposal last year to sell it off at auction.
An open day is planned at the former library on Saturday (April 16) for residents interested in running groups or activities.
It runs from 11.30am and 1.30pm.
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