THE move by the county council to ditch the library at Mitcheldean has brought the town an unexpected bonus – a first ever parish plan and renewed enthusiasm for a number of new projects.

While the fight to save the library continues, parish councillor Andrew Maliphant said the upshot of the county council's suggestion of closure had been the formation of a group called 'Action in Mitcheldean'. This had resulted in a parish survey which has already culminated in an exhibition of a number of projects.

Mr Maliphant said 300 survey forms had already been received with more coming in.

He confirmed that some schemes had already taken off, notably a 'Jubilee Woods' project which would involve planting trees in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

And in a review of all aspects of the playing fields there is the possibility the cricket team could be reformed.

Meanwhile, Mr Maliphant said that following the recent public meeting to discuss the future of the library there had been a positive response from over 120 households who had expressed an interest in evening classes.

Two events are planned for Mitcheldean Community Centre.

This Saturday (12 noon) young people and residents will meet to discuss plans for the dirt jumps and on March 17 residents will be invited to look at all areas of the playing field. An application has already been made for money to put on face painting, a climbing wall and live artwork together with local produce displays and ideas for improvements from Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust.