The future of Perranporth Library has been safeguarded after a new agreement which will see it transferred to Perranzabuloe Parish Council today.

The arrangement, which is part of Cornwall Council’s devolution programme, means the library will continue to provide all the key services essential to a modern library as well as access to a range of Council services.

Perranporth Library is remaining part of the countywide service meaning customers will keep their existing library cards and can still visit, borrow and order books online from other libraries in Cornwall.

Steve Arthur, chairman of Perranzabuloe Parish Council, said: “We are really excited to be taking on the management of our library in Perranporth. We have a new team in place ready to run the show and they have already come up with lots of ways to enhance the service for our residents including ideas for fun family events as well as making the most of our local history.

“We’re also planning to open the library again on Saturday mornings so that many more parishioners have the opportunity to make use of this great community facility. We are very grateful to Cornwall Council for working so closely with us to achieve a successful transfer.”

Edwina Hannaford, Cornwall Council cabinet member for neighbourhoods, explained that in these challenging financial times, Cornwall Council - like all local authorities throughout the UK - has had some tough decisions to make when faced with massive cuts in funding from central Government.

Cllr Hannaford said: “We are delighted that Perranporth Library has been secured for the community and many more generations of library users will be able to benefit from all it has to offer.

“Libraries are important to our residents and this is why we have been working closely with Perranzabuloe Parish Council to secure the future of the Perranporth Library.

“Parish councils are adding huge value to libraries with their local knowledge, passion and community priorities, all of which bring improvements to services such as longer opening hours and more activities.”