MORE than £350,000 in funding will be awarded to community organisations to allow them to take over libraries that were on the brink of closure in 11 areas across the town.

Swindon Borough Council has approved the funding following the adoption of the town’s library strategy in December 2016.

The council’s cabinet agreed that the council would support a network of five core libraries throughout the borough including Central, North Swindon, West Swindon, Highworth and Park.

The new service also maintains professional library services, while providing support to local organisations seeking to develop community-led library services.

Local groups or individuals had until January 31 to submit expressions of interest in the non-core libraries and to apply for a share of £500,000 in transitional funding allocated to help meet the set-up costs of viable community-led library services.

Seven groups applied for a total of £357,000 in transitional funding. The remaining funding will be used as a reserve to help support the development of the future delivery model for the core service.

The successful community groups/parish councils were being notified on Friday.

Coun Mary Martin, cabinet member responsible for libraries, said: “I am delighted with the progress being made in the implementation of the Council’s Libraries Strategy, and being in a position to support community organisations with their proposals to develop community-led library services.

“I must pay tribute to the commitment of parish councils and other community organisations in developing their proposals, and wish them every success in taking these forward. The hard work of all parties means Swindon will have library services available in more locations across the Borough than when this work started.”

The transitional funding will help provide community-led services at Upper Stratton, Walcot, Wroughton, Covingham, Liden, Even Swindon, Moredon, Pinehurst, Penhill and Old Town Libraries. Additional Library services will also be developed at the Hindu Temple and Community Centre at Cheney Manor.

The funding was awarded after parish councils and community organisations developed business plans that showed the prospect of ongoing financial sustainability, and the capacity to take on the running of library buildings and services.

It is envisaged that new services take effect from September 1, subject to any variations before or after that date which reflect local circumstances or particular implementation issues being specifically agreed with the council.

The council has also awarded a contract for the implementation of technology that will enable the core libraries to be accessible outside of staffed hours.