A public consultation over the future of Stonehouse's Library is underway.

Gloucestershire County Council and Stonehouse Town council are proposing the closure of the library's current Elm Road premises and a relocation to the Town Hall.

The current premises are out of date and increasingly difficult to maintain and would require an investment of around £238,000 to keep it fit for purpose.

By relocating to the Town Hall, the Library and town council services would gain a presence on the high street, making it easier for residents to access.

Stonehouse Library is currently open for only 12 hours per week - the lowest opening hours of any library in the county.

Both councils are keen to extend the opening hours as part of the move.

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Cllr Lesley Williams, county councillor for Stonehouse, said: "The library facility at Stonehouse is an important and well used service for local residents.

"If the proposal has no significant impact on residents and we receive an increase in numbers of library volunteers; the library opening hours could be extended which would be great news for the community here in Stonehouse.

"I hope local residents can find the time to complete the online questionnaire and give us their views."

Cllr Theresa Watt, chair of Stonehouse Town Council, added: "We have been working with the county council for some time to ensure that the library and town council have a presence on the High Street.

"It will benefit local residents hugely to have both services together in a modern, light and accessible setting."

The consultation is open now until May 25 with copies of the documents available from Stonehouse Library and Town Hall. An online version can be viewed at www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/stonehouselibrary