Nailsea’s library service will continue to operate from its current base in Somerset Square – North Somerset Council has confirmed.

In February, the authority announced plans to close library buildings in Clevedon, Nailsea and Long Ashton to save costs.

More: Libraries face uncertain future as council seeks cuts.

The council had planned to relocate Nailsea’s library service to smaller premises in the town centre, but councillors were concerned it would lead to the closure of the service in the future.

North Somerset Council has now confirmed the service will remain at its current premises. A spokesman said: “We have no plans to close or vacate the current Nailsea Library building and we will continue to run the library service from the building.”

Nailsea Town Council is delighted to hear the service will not be reduced, as the town could see its population swell by 50 per cent with 2,575 homes earmarked for the area over the next 20 years.

Nailsea Town Council’s chairman David Packham said: “North Somerset Council’s statement that it has no plans to close or vacate the library is welcome news for the town.

“The town council remains concerned about the future of the west end of the town centre, in particular the state of the Weston College building, and will continue to attempt to engage with all parties to ensure a future for this part of our town to bring life, activity and function for the future based around a thriving library.”

In June, the town council revealed it was considering taking over the library and redeveloping the precinct around the building to revitalise the area.

More: Town council to take on library?

The authority was keen to discuss the potential proposal with North Somerset Council.

Cllr James Tonkin, who represents Nailsea for North Somerset Council, said: “I’m delighted it’s going to be kept in the same place without threat of closure.

“It’s an iconic site and my fear is, if it was changed to anywhere else we wouldn’t get the same footfall and the library would eventually close.”

The future of Clevedon’s library building, in Old Church Road, is still uncertain, while Long Ashton Library will close by the end of the year and the council has begun a consultation to find a suitable replacement service.

More: North Somerset library closure announced.