NORMAL service is set to resume at Chipping Sodbury Library this week, thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers.

With South Gloucestershire Council facing a budget squeeze, the facility was earmarked for closure last year.

But thanks to the efforts of local campaigners, the facility is staying open, and will be run by members of the community.

A call for volunteers resulted in more than 40 people coming forward to help and, with training support from Sodbury Town Council, they are now ready to take over the staffing duties.

Books, CDs, DVDs and IT support for the venue’s three computers will continue to be provided by South Gloucestershire Libraries and they will be installing a self-service machine.

A grand re-launch of the service is set to take place today (Saturday), between 10am and 1pm. There will be balloons for children, free tea, coffee and cake and the Gruffalo may make an appearance to cut the ribbon. Everyone is welcome to call in and to pass on their ideas about how they would like to see the service develop.

The library will be open on Tuesdays, 9.30am to 12.30pm, and 1.30pm to 4.30pm; on Wednesdays from 9.30am to 6.30pm; and on Fridays and Saturdays, from 9.30am to 12.30pm.