A resolution in council has been passed. Although the outcome seems unpopular, a democratic process has been followed. We vote for our town managers; and they manage. I observe - in passing - that few of their critics have put themselves up for election; which tells another tale.
Supporters of Crown Street will recall my assistance to the 'library remain' groups, my orchestration of the penultimate demonstration in Feethams. It could not be said that I had been other than actively encouraging of the remain campaign.
However, for what seems an age, I have been asking about 'the Plan B'. "What to do if the campaign doesn't succeed?", I asked. Then, as now, there was a resounding silence to the question.
When managing any campaign, its leaders should consider all eventualities. It is called 'scoping the problem'. You review alternative scenarios, and create a route map to follow as events happen or circumstances change. That this campaign may not succeed was always foreseeable. Whilst never a part of the campaign's management team, I am yet to hear of any viable alternative to the mantra 'Keep the library at Crown Street'. Do I sound critical? Well, yes, on this occasion, I am.
In the Crown Street Pease building, the town has a prize. It's beautiful, it's unique, it's listed, it was given by a Darlington Quaker under a restrictive covenant as to use as a library for the benefit the people of Darlington, it is in a key position in the town, it is loved.
When the last book leaves the last shelf, and boards are placed across the windows, what is our civic plan for what remains? Do we sit by whilst neon signs are put up by J D Weatherspoon to announce another 'pub-grub dinner, or are we happy for the doors to open onto more shops, showrooms or offices?
I am of the view that there is a sound community plan out there that could keep the Pease building in profitable, or at least self-sustaining community-private partnership.
Our forebearers, the old Quakers, planned thus. They looked to what the town needed, they worked out a viable commercial plan, they organised themselves, and they went for it.
Now is that March moment for the Pease Library building. Industrialists, commercial managers, lawyers, accounatants, book shop owners, community groups, faithful Darlingtonians - what would be your Plan B for Crown Street?
