Penryn Town Council may have to consider taking over the town’s library if it is to avoid closure, according to proposals set out during the last council meeting.

The possibility is just one of a host of changes which may have to be considered if the town is to keep hold of its services in the face of £196 million of cuts by Cornwall Council.

In a list set out by town clerk Michelle Davey, items to be considered by the Town Council before it sets its budget for next year included taking over responsibility for a second town centre car park, taking over full running of the town’s public toilets, and taking control of some of the town’s green spaces.

Miss Davey said: “There is a very real danger that Penryn Library could be targeted for closure given its proximity to Falmouth.

“Cornwall Council is likely to be very open to a proposal from the town council to take on the running of the library.”

It was also suggested that the council offices could be moved to the library building to help offset costs, although another option for the Town Council could be to purchase the current offices as Cornwall Council looks to sell off real estate.

Councillors will also consider whether or not to take over taking control of some areas of open space within the town to provide better care, as Cornwall Council cuts its contract for care of green space by 30 per cent.

Cornwall Council is also aiming to sell off “free or low income” car parks to local councils or other bodies, to reduce maintenance costs.

Miss Davey told councillors this could provide an opportunity to take ownership of the car park on the Commercial Road car park, and instead of renewing the lease on its Permarin Road site, asking instead for a transfer of the asset.

While it will be expected to shoulder more responsibilities in the next budget, Penryn Town Council will see a reduction in funding from Cornwall Council, with an expected 15 per cent drop in the Council Tax Support Grant, and no extension of the grant to run public toilets.

Penryn Town Council will consider the potential impact of these measures on the budget before their next meeting on November 3.