The closure of a container library last year by West Berkshire Council to save £22,000 sparked outrage. But when the Conservatives threw out the Liberal Democrats to take control, they pledged to bring back a library service for south Newbury.

Councillors will decide next Thursday whether to pay for a temporary building to go in the grounds of Park House School, or to use the Wash Common Community Centre. The first is likely to exacerbate parking problems at the school, and may not be too popular with older people. But the community centre needs to be upgraded, and it’s thought it won’t be popular with younger people.

In the long term, it’s hoped that a new library can be built in the grounds of 1,600 pupil Park House, with government funding. But the Tories see the loss of the library as urgent, especially after the loss of the Post Office.