AN independent report on North Yorkshire's libraries describes them as no more than fair - and, despite promises of a significant cash boost, the Audit Commission has also concluded prospects for improvement remain "uncertain".

North Yorkshire County Council has pledged to spend more than £4m upgrading the service, and only this week unveiled mobile libraries for Easingwold and Starbeck.

However, the Audit Commission inspection team gave the service one star because inspectors felt positive features, such as the broad range of services and a good website, are outweighed by weaknesses such as poor book stock and outdated buildings.

Commissioning inspector for the northern region, Pat Thynne, said: "North Yorkshire County Council recognises the library service needs to be improved and developed, and has committed additional funding to achieving this.

"However, the council needs to develop a clear and comprehensive understanding of what matters to local people, and must ensure planned improvements are robustly monitored."

In reply, county council spokesman, Councillor John Dennis, pointed out that North Yorkshire's library service has already moved on since the inspectors called.

Director of business and community services, Gordon Gresty, said: "We're extremely disappointed the inspectors felt we had uncertain prospects for improvement.

"I can assure the public improvements will be taking place, and have already started since the inspectors' visit.

"This will be an ongoing programme, which will provide the communities of North Yorkshire with a modern, up-to-date library and informative service, which will be at the centre of the county council's policy to provide better access to public services."