VILLAGERS are a step closer to getting a long-awaited library.

Residents in the growing community of Langley Park, near Durham, have been pressing for seven years for a permanent building.

After five months of public consultation, Durham County Council has announced it is ready to move the plans on.

Patrick Conway, director of cultural services, said: "When one takes into account neighbouring settlements, the county council recognised the need to improve the quality of library provision and, if possible, provide a static library."

Consultation showed residents wanted a library that would also be a facility for community-based learning, with study rooms,computers and internet access.

Until last summer, the village had been served by a trailer library. But this was withdrawn due to mechanical problems and replaced by a smaller, mobile library.

The authority is discussing possible permanent sites for the service with ward councillor Joe Armstrong, and Esh Parish Council, which covers the villages of Langley Park, Esh and Quebec. A strong contender is Church Street Community Centre.