Arsonists set fire to historic library building in Hyde!

 

Described by Tameside Councillor, Oliver Ryan, as one of the jewels in the crown of Hyde, the library in Hyde (see above), built in 1899, has remained empty since 2015 when it was relocated to cramped conditions in Hyde Town Hall. Youths recently broke into the library building and set fire to it. They should be made aware by the authorities that arson (criminal damage by fire), carries a maximum life sentence under the Criminal Damage Act 1971. Had there been people inside the building, it would have been arson with intent to endanger life. 

The library in Hyde, is just one of a number of historic public buildings in Tameside, that have been left to fall into dereliction and decay by the structural vandals called Tameside Council. Brenda Warrington, the Labour leader of the council, has been nicknamed the 'Bulldozer'. The Town Hall in Ashton is also in a parlous state as well as the John Nield Conservatory in Stamford Park, which is a Grade 11 listed building. The council wanted to demolish the Conservatory which led to a campaign to save it, by irate park users.