THE county's library service has came under the spotlight in a new report released by Herefordshire Council.

Four of the 10 county libraries have proposals for improvement including the centrally located Hereford library, which was revealed as totally inadequate as a modern public library service.

Provision of public ICT facilities has been a particular problem due to the age and inflexibility of the Victorian, listed building.

The council is currently considering how best to finance proposals to provide a new library for Hereford at an estimated cost of £6 million.

Belmont library will also reap the benefits of the new proposal removing the mounting pressure on the library after a population increase in Belmont of 50 per cent since 1991.

Like Hereford, Ledbury library offers cramped accommodation leading to inadequate facilities for children and ICT access.

The council is now conducting an initial study to determine whether another council owned building in the centre of Ledbury that would be suitable for redevelopment.

Disabled access

Meanwhile, the council proposes to relocate Bromyard library into shared facilities with Bromyard Leisure Centre.

The centre has good car parking facilities, disabled access and the proposal of shared reception responsibilities would offer opportunities to extend the library's opening hours to evenings and weekends.

The small village of Colwall boasts a reasonable sized library, although local residents are working in partnership with the council to provide an extension incorporating a community room and full disabled access.

Residents at Leintwardine are currently engaged in fund raising for a feasibility study to examine the options for better provision of community facilities.

Weobley Library was found to be sufficient to serve the local community but some minor adaptations are needed to allow full disabled access.

The libraries at Leominster and Ross-on-Wye are situated in suitable, modern buildings with spacious and flexible interior accommodation and both libraries boast full disabled access.