PLANS for improved library provision in the borough are being drawn up after it was revealed Crewe and Nantwich is one of the worst in the county.

The borough has only two small libraries, the least out of any borough in the county, but councillors are hoping this will change soon.

A working group has been set up to discuss the issue and how best to spend any money which might be forthcoming from County Council.

The matter was discussed at a meeting of the Policy Committee last week when Cllr Peter Kent said: "If we look at the cluster of libraries around Chester it is pretty obvious that the balance needs to be redressed as far as Crewe and Nantwich is concerned.

"One of the things we ought to be proud of about our towns is that the readership is very impressive," he added.

Councillors decided that to have another library might not be the best way forward and the working group's brief should also look at other ways in which any money could be used to improve the library service overall.

Cllr Gwyn Griffiths said: "Crewe and in particular Nantwich libraries are very short in space so we should not tie ourselves down at this stage and say a new branch library is the best way forward."

Cllr Brian Silvester added: "Perhaps we should be spending extra money on the libraries to increase opening hours.

"We could extend the scope of mobile libraries, I am sure that would be welcomed in many of the smaller villages," he added.

Councillors Park, Hale, Burchell, Salmon and Evans were selected to sit on the working group.

BY PETE HENSHAW