COUNCILLORS in Stratton have surmounted the first major hurdle as they consider the possibility of taking over the running of Upper Stratton Library.

On Tuesday night councillors agreed to submit an Expression Of Interest form to Swindon Borough Council stating their desire for a potential takeover.

It follows a meeting in December at which representatives from the borough council met parish councillors to discuss the handover of the Beechcroft Road library.

But, after a lengthy debate, it was decided that there was insufficient information to proceed and the decision to submit an Expression Of Interest form was deferred.

However, at Tuesday’s full council meeting members overwhelmingly backed the proposal to proceed.

It has been stressed that by submitting the necessary paperwork, the parish council is in no way committed to the takeover.

If the borough accepts the application, parish councillors will need to submit a business plan by March 31 before a final decision is made at the end of April.

Coun Joe Tray, the chairman of the Stratton St Margaret Parish Council, is a firm backer of the takeover. He previously told councillors: “I didn’t go into politics to close down libraries or children’s centres and I think it’s very important to provide these things for the community.”

Speaking after Tuesday’s meeting, he outlined the need to keep the library open in order to provide a community hub for locals.

He said: “We want to open up the service to give it more of a community feel. It can be a place where people can go and have a cup of coffee and read a book at the same time. We have got to offer more to the community than just a library.

“It would also be good to ensure the parish council has front and centre representation in Upper Stratton. There was great enthusiasm to go forward, though we aren’t committing ourselves to anything yet, we’re just showing an interest.”

Coun Mary Martin, Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet member for communities, said: “We are pleased Stratton Parish Council has indicated it plans to submit an expression of interest for Upper Stratton Library, especially as it coincides with Covingham’s plans to create a library trust.

“We want to keep as many of our community libraries open and are committed to working with parish councils and local groups to make this happen.”