THE council’s libraries strategy faces its first test tonight as parish councillors in Stratton decide whether to foot the bill to fund their library.

Swindon Borough Council will withdraw funding from 10 out of 15 of the town’s libraries later this year in a bid to save £1.5m a year by 2020.

Campaigners have argued that a total withdrawal of funding means permanent closure is likely for many of the sites, but the council has repeatedly argued that all libraries could stay open if local groups come forward to help.

Stratton has been heralded as the leading example of a library where the borough council was confident that a solution could be found.

In December, the cabinet member responsible for libraries, Mary Martin, said: “The council’s libraries project team have had very productive discussions with Stratton St Margaret Parish Council.

“We are really pleased they have indicated their willingness to be part of the first wave of community libraries in Swindon.”

Her comments were echoed by parish officers who thought it likely the transfer would proceed.

However, it looked as if those hopes might ave been shortlived when, at a meeting last month, parish councillors expressed concern about the costs associated with bridging the gap left by borough cuts.

They questioned how much the library is actually used and whether it would be worth the costs to their residents in a year when the precept is already due to rise as a result of the transfer of frontline service to parish councils.

Tonight, a meeting of the full parish will once again consider the question of their library.

No binding commitment is required but councillors will be asked to back the submission of an expression of interest to the borough’s libraries team.

Parish council chairman Joe Tray said: “We had an informal meeting to discusses the prospect of taking on the library.

“There has been movement on the council, but a lot depends on the borough.

“They’ve made a lot of promises but we’d like to see some more firm commitments on transitional funding and work that needs doing on the building.

“But it could be an asset for the parish, so I think most of us are leaning that way.”

Coun Tray said it was likely his colleagues would vote to submit the declaration of interest before coming back to consider a more lasting decision at a later date.

Swindon Borough Council was approached for a comment.