AMBITIOUS plans to upgrade and extend Acomb Library have finally been given the go-ahead - paving the way for £750,000 investment in the aging building.

Planning permission has been granted for a scheme which councillors said would see the library revamped into a "learning centre".

The whole refurbishment project had been thrown into doubt following an expression of interest in bidding for part of the site by supermarket giant Lidl.

However, following a consultation exercise undertaken by ward councillors, more than 81 per cent of respondents said they wanted the library to be retained on its existing site.

Some £750,000 will now be invested in extensions to, and modernisation of, the building. The modernisation scheme has already received an enthusiastic reaction from residents attending a ward committee meeting in the area.

Ward councillor Steve Galloway said: "I am delighted this project has now cleared its final hurdle and Westfield and Acomb residents can look forward to not only improved library facilities, but also additional education opportunities which should help all age groups."

The alternative Lidl plan would have seen the existing facility flattened, along with the bowling green behind it and the pub next door, The Marcia Grey.

Details of the plans were first revealed by The Press in January, but the scheme stalled.

Work on the refurbishment scheme is now expected to be completed within the next 12 months.

When it was first announced, Fiona Williams, head of City of York Council library service, said: "This is a great opportunity to create a modern, contemporary library with high-quality facilities for the community."

The council also wants to hear from residents, contributing any ideas about what they would like to see in the new-look building.

Temporary library facilities will be provided elsewhere in Acomb while some of the more intrusive building work is undertaken.