CAMPAIGNERS battling to save the region’s libraries have welcomed plans to spend £1.9m redeveloping one.

Stockton Borough Council has agreed to transform Stockton Central Library to make it more appealing to the public.

However, residents living in neighbouring authorities – Darlington Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council – are fighting to save their libraries from funding cuts and closures.

North Yorkshire County Council could close as many as 23 of its 44 libraries, while library funding could be cut by £250,000 in Darlington.

Over the past year, Stockton has witnessed a 15 per cent increase in visitors using its libraries.

A recent refurbishment of Thornaby Central Library was credited with a 210 per cent increase in users, and 80 per cent more books and other stock lent out.

Former North Yorkshire police officer and author Mike Pannett said: “I think it is fantastic news that Stockton is investing in its libraries and making them more appealing.

“To close libraries makes no sense. Hopefully, this will make other councils think before they close libraries.”

Rowena Sommerville, director of Tees Valley Arts, said: “It is great to see Stockton council investing in the library and continuing to make it available to everyone.

“Let’s hope that other authorities are able to follow suit.”

The central library will be given self-service technology, an enhanced reference and study facility, a local family library suite, improved computer facilities, new conference room and cafe.

Ian Blease, 58, a member of the library for 26 years, said: “The library is such a valuable community asset which shouldn’t be lost.”

Mary Womphrey, the council’s cabinet member for arts, leisure and culture, said: “This facility will be a real asset to the town and will promote library use even more.

“It is wonderful to have this opportunity to redesign and develop our library services for the 21st Century.”

A council spokesman said: “The redevelopment of Stockton Central Library was planned and agreed more than a year ago and is a good example of how the council is investing to save, while at the same time improving customer service.”

The library will close on February 24 for the work and re-open in the autumn.