CAMPAIGNERS say the success of battle to keep their North Yorkshire village library open in the face of funding cuts is a “massive positive”.

North Yorkshire County Council’s need to reduce its libraries budget by £1.7 million led to several communities being asked to produce business plans aimed at allowing them to take control of their local branches.

The move means six village libraries will survive, including the branch in Barlby, near Selby, which will be renamed Barlby Library and Community Hub.

Barlby Parish Council chairman Brian Marshall said: “This is what we wanted and it will be a hub for the village.

“It will be open for pensions and functions, the police will use it, children will be able to come in to use the computers and teenagers will come in to do projects”

Jill Baker, Barlby Community Primary School’s head teacher, said: “It is a good thing – the children have used the library in the past, and once it is up and running again the school will use it.”