PLANS for a permanent library for Haxby and Wigginton have taken a step forward.

Haxby Town Council will look at refurbishing the scout headquarters on York Road so that a new library could open in the building, following an agreement over the lease.

Residents will now be invited to have their say on the plans as part of a public consultation to be launched on November 19.

The old library was closed in July 2016 due to public safety concerns and the building has now been demolished. Since then, residents have relied on a mobile library.

Cllr Nigel Ayre, Liberal Democrat executive member for culture, said: “I am pleased that both parties have reached an agreement on the lease of the land and we can now begin to move forward in developing our proposals for a new, high-quality library for the residents of Haxby and Wigginton.”

Conservative councillors for Haxby Tony Richardson and John Gates also welcomed the plans, with Cllr Richardson saying there is an opportunity to create a “cracking new facility”.

He said: “Developing the scout headquarters for a library for our communities has been the best option for taking this project forward since utilising a part of Haxby Memorial Hall became unviable. This will clear the way for the council to begin planning for a cracking new facility for our residents.”

Cllr Gates added: “Since our library was demolished in 2016 we’ve worked relentlessly to help find a permanent base for our library services.

“The mobile library has been a useful stopgap but our residents quite rightly expect more. We both look forward to working with all stakeholders in get a new library up and running as soon as possible.”

Fiona Williams, chief executive of Explore York, praised the community for their enthusiasm for the library service.

Proposals for the new library will be on display at the mobile library and at New Earswick Library, with residents invited to have their say on the plans until December 14. The scheme will be developed alongside Haxby Hall older people’s accommodation.