A LIBRARY once threatened with closure has now shut – so it can be revamped for future use.

Fairfield Library, in Stockton, closed for refurbishment a week ago so that works to accommodate a new nursery can get under way.

A year ago Stockton Borough Council's Cabinet agreed plans to retain the library by sharing the building with a nursery provider following public consultation and an extensive campaign by locals to save the facility.

The building will now be adapted to accommodate a nursery, although the library will be smaller than it was.

Once complete the nursery will offer childcare provision for children from birth to five years as well as a range of early years and family services including information drop-in sessions, first aid classes for parents and carers, breastfeeding support, cooking on a budget, sign language and dental health sessions.

Councillor Bob Cook, Leader of Stockton Council, said: “We are delighted that Fairfield Library has been retained and we look forward to working with the nursery provider, The Barn Childcare, to bring much needed nursery places for children in the area.

"Libraries are no longer just about books and we have already seen a similar combination of services working well at other sites.

"I am sure that all the facilities at Fairfield Library will be valued by local people.

“We’d like to ask residents for their patience and encourage them to make use of the mobile library and other town centre libraries while the works are carried out.”

The new-look library is due to reopen in spring 2018. Residents will be able to access the mobile library service on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays while the works are under way.

It will stop at Greens Lane near to Fairfield Library on Mondays between 1-3pm on November 13, December 4, January 15 and Feburary 5, and Thursdays between 11.30am and 12.30pm on November 2, November 23, December 14, January 25 and February 15. It will also be there on Fridays between 11.35am and 12.05pm on November 3, November 24, December 15, January 26 and February 16.