COUNCIL bosses have pledged to continue to work to raise library standards in Darlington.

After a review, members of Darlington Borough Council's cabinet received a report from the lifelong learning scrutiny committee outlining concerns that standards were not high enough.

Suggestions for improving standards included opening a branch library in the north of the town to complement the main library in Crown Street.

Funding for books and other learning materials could also be increased, and more training opportunities made available to staff.

The committee's report recognised the work done by library staff, but was concerned that targets in some areas were not being met.

Director of education Geoff Pennington said: "The indicators in the library standard measure access to libraries, both static and mobile, and the volume of spend on purchasing books.

"As Darlington has only two static libraries and a steady, but moderate spend on the book fund, the majority of standards will not be achieved without a new static library."

Cabinet members agreed to note the committee's recommendations