BROADWAY parish councillors want to see the village library become more of a community-led service in future.

The library was one of many across the area to be hit by financial cuts last year as Worcestershire County Council attempted to save money, but members have stated their desire to ensure it remains open.

The county council has not stopped its funding completely and will continue to support it through responsibility for staff and wages, but the parish council’s aim is to give more responsibility over its day-to-day running to local people.

Although the majority of councillors supported the decision for a community-led library, not everyone was in support of the decision. Councillor Dr Rachel Clements said it may be “setting the library up for a fall”. She asked another option be considered that would keep the library open but offering a reduced service.

Before the meeting, Broadway’s county councillor Liz Eyre said she had tried to ensure a sound financial business model for a sustainable library was put in place, which included the parish council leasing the building from the county council. “The library is a vital part of our community,” she said. “I do not accept, however, that we cannot make the space even more relevant to our residents’ needs.

“I have proposed a model, which allows the parish to manage and develop aspects of the facility, build on local skills of residents and still gives space for a core library service which can be expanded though volunteering.

“There is an exciting vision.

Done well, residents get the best of all worlds.

“I look forward to seeing how they run with this opportunity I have created and am there to support them as they move forward.”