DAMP and costly' Lymm library is to get a half a million pound makeover.

Councillors have agreed to spend the money on the 80-year-old library in Davies Way after hearing how popular and well-used by the community it was.

Clr Roy Smith, executive board member for community services, said increased use by young families and the temporary housing of the Citizens Advice Bureau in the library since 2005, has highlighted the building's problems further.

A bid by CAB for money for a permanent base was made early last year and subsequent involvement by the council's Children's Services department has allowed some funding to be secured from the Government to also build a children's centre there.

Clr Smith described the incorporation of the children's centre as a very positive development'.

Work is set to get underway at the library by early next week and is being carried out by Howley-based Clovemead Ltd.

The council expects the work to be completed in 19 weeks, just in time for Christmas.

Clr Shelia Woodyatt, executive board member for children's services, said: "This is a fantastic scheme. It's taken such a long time to get there.

"It's a brilliant example of creative thinking. We have got a superb library, a smashing place for CAB and the children's centre.

"Yes, it is more expense but people in Lymm are getting a fantastic facility."