1/1 PLANS to save four Hampshire libraries by turning them into independent community facilities have received a £40,000 cash injection. Hampshire County Council has awarded grants of £10,000 to four groups in Horndean, Lee-on-Solent, Odiham and the Elson area of Gosport. It follows the decision to axe some of the libraries owned and operated by the authority. The buildings shut at the end of last year. Various organisations are planning to take on some of the closed branches and deliver services by turning them into Independent Community Libraries. The county council is offering one-off awards of up to £10,000 to help cover the cost of setting them up.
VOLUNTEERS set to take over a library in North Hampshire have received a boost after a £10,000 grant from Hampshire County Council. Odiham library was one of eight across the county shut by the authority last year in a bid to save £1.76 million. But after volunteers, co-ordinated by Odiham Parish Council which is based in the same building as the library, signalled their intent to takeover the running of the library, they were able to apply for a five-figure transition grant. It was officially ratified by Councillor Edward Heron, HCC s executive member for recreation, heritage, countryside and rural affairs, yesterday (Tuesday).