BOURTON parish councillors have appealed to Gloucestershire County Council not to downgrade the village library.

They agreed at their meeting last Wednesday to write to GCC to express "disappointment " that proposed cutbacks would mean the village having a much-reduced Library Link service, with only a two or three four bookcases, self-service facilities and public internet access for about three hours a week.

Although library-goers would be able to order books from main libraries, parish councillors called for the establishment of a larger Library Express, open three-and-a-half days a week and with more books and services.

The main library for the north Cotswolds will be two miles away at Stow and, although Bourton currently does not have suitable premises for a library, parish council chairman Bryan Sumner said: "We would like the opportunity to upgrade when we get adequate facilities."

The council has agreed to go ahead with a feasibility study and business plan to develop a community hall and youth centre on the Moore Cottage Hospital and Salmonsbury House sites. This could also house parish offices and a library.