STOCKTON Heath Library could be the first of the town's sites to benefit from major improvements after campaigners bounced back 'from a situation of almost despair'.

The Libraries Partnership Board met at Woolston Neighbourhood Hub on Tuesday to deliver business case presentations for Stockton Heath, Culcheth and Birchwood libraries, as well as updates on building maintenance and book fund proposals.

The board's key responsibilities include overseeing the implementation of the library strategy and the programme of modernisation proposals agreed by the council's executive board.

In December, the executive board committed to keeping all of the town's libraries open 'subject to robust business cases'.

In total, £1 million of the authority's funds will go towards repairs, maintenance and investment at existing buildings, while £150,000 has been designated to enhance the book fund budget.

The £150,000 will be spent over a two-year period 'to support literacy and learning across all libraries in the borough'.

The proposal is for 70 per cent of the money to be spent in year one and 30 per cent in year two.

A key theme for Stockton Heath Library – which has the 'most advanced business case' – is for the proposed 'dementia-friendly' site to undergo 'significant reconfiguration' of current space.

It could also be fitted with a refreshment zone, while providing space for the parish council, which could be leased to provide a sustainable source of income.

Birchwood Library could move its provision to a new hub based at the leisure centre, while Culcheth Library could be remodelled, with the potential to create office space to bring in rental income.

The board highlighted that external funding sources will be explored in the future.

Chairman of the board Lynton Green, who is the council's director of corporate services, added: "We are looking to make the £1 million go as far as it possibly can.

"We want to make sure we have sustainable libraries going forward."

Concerns have been raised over sites 'losing partners' and potential funding if there are significant delays to improvements being carried out at the libraries.

However, asbestos surveys, along with 'in depth' investigations of roofs and windows, are currently taking place.

Once completed, the board confirmed that estimated costs and timeframes will become clearer, which should pave the way for some funds to be released to allow work to begin.

Appleton councillor Sharon Harris, who chairs the South Warrington Library (In Stockton Heath) group, said she was 'quite pleased' with the board's discussions on Tuesday.

She added: "From a situation of almost despair, we have demonstrated the ability to work with the council and LiveWire.

"I wanted more of a definitive 'yes' to release the money but I understand costings need to be worked out.

"It is important that it is a main priority.

"The offer we are putting forward is for people across the south of the town.

"We have the most advanced business case and that has been acknowledged."