EARBY Library has moved another step closer to being re-opened.

It comes after the cabinet at Lancashire County Council agreed to a feasibility study to provide a modern library service at the New Road Community Centre.

Councillors said the former Earby Library is ‘no longer up-to-scratch ‘and cannot provide the service residents need anymore.

Officers had recommended the existing large building is in poor condition and not well-suited to a modern library service.

As the county council owns the New Road Community Centre, should the feasibility study find the building is suitable, they said the transition should be smooth.

Lancashire county councillor for Pendle Rural, Jenny Purcell, said: “It’s good to see that the return of the library service is moving forwards.

“We pledged to re-open libraries that Labour closed during their time in control of the council and I’m delighted that Earby will be one of the first ones to be re-opened.”

Earby councillor Mike Goulthorp said: “I want to thank Jenny for her hard work in making sure the re-opening of our library is moving forward.

Cllr Peter Buckley, cabinet member for cultural services, said: “We want to reopen a library service in Earby, however the building where it had been based is not in good condition and isn’t well-suited to operating a modern library service. “