Library funding delay blamed on lack of staff
(From The Orcadian dated June 7, 2001)

A bid to access £1 million in grant aid for a new Orkney library is being held up because of lack of staff working on the project, councillors heard this week.

Concerns were raised at Monday's recreation and cultural services committee after assistant education and recreation services director Mr Alan Clouston said he was having problems progressing the grant application - because of lack of manpower.

Councillors were told that tenders were ready to be issued but the grant application for the £4 million project was still under preparation.

Attempting to allay concerns, Mr Clouston said he was trying to get as much done with existing staff and had raised the issue with chief executive, Mr Alistair Buchan.

Committee chairman Councillor John Brown said he was nevertheless concerned at the lack of progress.

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