Matt McCloskey, of Property Solutions, said legal documents which have delayed the scheme for a year had finally been completed.

"A few forests have been sacrificed for this one and we are physically picking up the bundles of papers," he said.

"We intend to be in the pub by the end of the week."

During the past week workmen have tested the ground at the site of the proposed new library and flats near Booth's car park.

On Sunday they will be back to bore a 30ft hole to check that the foundations are safe to build on.

Speaking from his Birmingham office yesterday (Tuesday), Mr McCloskey believed the ground near the council offices was safe.

"We have done enough so that we know our plans of the area are accurate," he said.

Since the £1million library plans were unveiled more than two years ago they have been hit by a series of delays.

There was controversy over the decision not to include a public disabled toilet while other residents demanded an inquiry into the final design.

But yesterday group librarian Barbara West said the town had nothing to worry about.

She said the new library with its IT suite of 20 computers should suit staff and customers.

"We hope to be open by Christmas as long as there are no nasty delays we have not foreseen," she said.