THE library in Wotton looks set to be saved from its initial fate of opening just three hours a week.

Following a proposal by Gloucestershire County Council to severely reduce library opening hours in Wotton, and potentially sell off the building, a deal has been struck to see it opening 22 hours a week, close to its current 25 hours opening.

The plan depends on local volunteers coming forward to help man the library, but Wotton mayor and county councillor John Cordwell, who was instrumental in persuading the council to rethink its plans, said he was confident residents would step forward to help.

"I would certainly hope we could do it, a number of people have come forward already, Wotton residents are very good at pitching in," he said.

The initial proposal put forward by the county council was for six paid staff a week, however because their staff must work in pairs this amounted to three hours of opening.

The county council has now agreed to offer 10 hours of double staffed hours and 12 hours of a single council staff member, which will need to be doubled by the addition of local volunteers.

In return Wotton Town Council has agreed to pay for the grounds maintenance and cleaning of the building.

"I think the county council realised a number of their ideas would not have worked in Wotton, mainly due to the problems with public transport," said Cllr Cordwell.

"Obviously I would have preferred to see the county council continue to run the library themselves, but this is not a bad second best. I am very glad we’ve been able to get it up to 22 hours opening."

The town council is still looking for volunteers who would be willing to work at the library to help keep it open. All volunteers would be given training by library staff and the first batch of training starts the week commencing June 20.

If you would like to volunteer drop into the One Stop Shop or email clerk@wotton-under-edge.com or call 01453 843210.