A GROUP is to take over the running of Mitcheldean Library, which was threatened with closure under county council economy cuts.

The move comes after a public meeting last Thursday, where it was decided to take up the county's offer to help a community group set up a management structure.

A spokesman for Mitcheldean Library Action Group said: "There is a lot of support in Mitchel­dean, Longhope and Drybrook to keep the library open.

"Having said that, there are a lot of different things to be done, some only taking a couple of hours a month, and we would ask anyone who is interested to fill in a form in the library and leave it in the ideas box behind the reception desk."

Anybody interested in helping out as a founder member should contact Andrew Maliphant on Dean 544456 or email [email protected]">[email protected]

There will be another public meeting in Mitchel­dean library from 7pm on Thursday May 26.