FEARS that a library could be about to move from its town centre site have been quash-ed.

Councillors in Harrogate had voiced concern that the library, in Victoria Avenue, could be moved out of the town centre so that it could be extended more fully.

But officers at North Yorkshire County Council, who have organised a series of consultations to draw up extension plans, said a move was not being proposed.

An extension to the library could see the Harrogate public archives, currently stored at Northallerton library, returned to the town.

Harrogate borough councillor Fred Willis said: "At the moment people feel strongly that it is at the heart of the town - and already, judging by public reaction, that's where people want it to stay. Concern has already been expressed about any extension going beyond the present footprint of the existing temporary builds because it would impinge on the gardens."

Gordon Gresty, director of business and community services at the county council, said nothing had been decided yet.

"All I am doing at the present moment is having some consultants look at the possible options for the development of Harrogate library," he said.

"All these consultations are going to do is produce a series of options, one of which will include doing nothing."

The consultants are due to make their report early in the New Year with a decision expected to follow shortly afterwards.