A NEW library that will give users access to the Internet is due to be completed in May.

Durham County Council hopes to start work on the £180,000 facility at Wingate in the middle of next month.

The library, which will be part of the new community centre being built in the former pit village, is expected to be finished by May 18.

After fitting out of the interior the library is likely to open its doors at the end of May or early June.

The village's existing library, which is leased by the county council, is in urgent need of repair and its replacement will be bigger and offer a wide range of services to residents.

It will be equipped with computers and have Internet access, access to the county's electronic library catalogue and space for events and exhibitions to be held.

Patrick Conway, the county council's director of arts, libraries and museums, says in a report to Tuesday's executive committee meeting: "The existing service will continue to be provided from the current site until removal to the new building.

"Closure of the new service for a few days will be necessary.''

Councillors will be recommended to authorise the preparation of plans for an official opening ceremony.