VOLUNTEERS could run Broadway Library in a bid by Worcestershire County Council to save thousands of pounds in costs.

The council’s cabinet gave the authority the green light to work with the community on setting up a group to manage the Leamington Road library.

If the plans go ahead, the current building would be leased to Broadway Parish Council and bought by it when funds become available.

The parish council would become responsible for covering the costs of utility bills and cleaning, while a community group would be setup to run the library.

Councillor John Campion, Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet member for localism and communities, assured residents library services would be maintained in the village whatever the outcome.

He said: “While Worcestershire County Council has stressed the importance of maintaining a sustainable, comprehensive library service in line with our statutory duty, it has been agreed that innovation and transformation should also be the focus for making savings over the next two to three years.

“In order to realise this aim, an option for Broadway Library was given initial backing by the council’s cabinet.

If this option goes ahead, it could involve supporting an existing community group. That would be an excellent way of getting local people involved in a library that is at the heart of the community.

“Whatever the outcome, the county council will continue to operate a comprehensive library service for the residents of Broadway.”

Broadway Library is open 27.5hrs per week and the county council currently employs two permanent staff and two temporary staff.

There are no current plans to make staff redundant.

If the proposal is implemented, the council is expected to make savings of £6,800 in 2013/14 and £10,000 in 2014/15 in costs relating to the building.

Broadway Parish Council clerk Kevin Beasley said councillors would now meet with representatives from the library service before the start of a public consultation.