MORE than 100 people attended an open day at a former library which will re-open for community use.

The open day was staged followed a long-running campaign by residents, who were handed keys last week to the former St James Street Library building in Coppermill Lane, Walthamstow, which closed in 2007.

The event at the building, which has been renamed The Mill, was for residents interested in running groups or activities.

They were given a tour of the former library and asked what they would like to see the centre used for.

Janet Wright from the St James Street Library Campaign, said: “It was brilliant.

“I cannot believe how many people were there and only with just two days notice.

“We printed 100 forms for people to fill in and I possibly thought this might have been wishful thinking, but by the end of the day I was struggling to find any more.

“About a third of people who came in were just passing by and wanted to have a look.

“They were really eager to know what was happening and were asking us if the library was going to re-open.”

“It was absolutely thrilling. Just seeing all those people coming along, if we had not known it before hand, we have no doubt now that this is absolutely needed in our community.”

The froup were initially hoping to sub-let part of the building using a £150,000 charity grant secured for rent and staff.

But after partners Alert pulled out of a deal to lease the whole building last month, the campaigners persuaded the council to let them to take it over.

Ms Wright added: “Last month we thought it could have all been over but we have been amazed by everything that has happened."

She added they are looking for skilled electricians, engineers and architects who can help in refurbishing the centre, which is expected to open in a few weeks.

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.

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