Reprieve for threatened Cinderford library

A library in Cinderford which was one of 11 threatened with closure is to be kept open with public funds.

The Conservative-controlled Gloucestershire County Council needs to save £108m over the next four years as part of its budget cuts.

Leader Mark Hawthorne said the council was able to afford this by putting back £500,000 into its library budget.

Mr Hawthorne said: "I hope this demonstrates that we are listening to what people are telling us."

'Unique location'

He added: "When we talked to the people of Cinderford, it became clear that this was about more than just the library, it was about the regeneration of the town as whole.

"Cinderford is a unique location and there are wider issues that need to be addressed here.

"The plans on the table now ensure the library remains at the heart of the community and they provide scope for possibly developing it into a community hub in future.

Forest of Dean Conservative MP Mark Harper said he was "delighted" with the news.

"That Cinderford library is becoming one of Gloucestershire's express libraries is great news particularly given the difficult economic environment in which the council is trying to operate."

The additional £500,000 will also be used to extend the hours and days at six of the other library express sites at Bishops Cleeve, Quedgeley, Hucclecote, Longlevens, Up Hatherley, and Charlton Kings.

There will also be a one-off £100,000 to buy books, e-books, audio and other stock this year.

Other proposals include £10,000 towards running costs for libraries taken on by community groups.

The proposals have to be approved by the council's cabinet on 2 February and at full council on 16 February.