PLANS to close a York library have been accepted by leisure chiefs who heard of visitor numbers too low to justify keeping it open.

Osbaldwick library will be closed in April and replaced by a mobile service.

Councillor Alan Jones, City of York Council's executive member for leisure, was told an average of nine visitors used the library per hour, nearly 20 less than the average for York.

And he heard that the building would need modernising if it was to continue being used.

He said: "The level of usage of Osbaldwick library and the need for major investment has to be balanced against the wider needs of the community and, in this review, they will benefit significantly."

The leisure chief agreed to coincide the closure with an alteration of opening times at other libraries, which will result in a city-wide increase of 14 hours.

And he said users of Osbaldwick's library will be consulted to find the most suitable times for the mobile service to visit.

Liberal Democrat councillor Jonathan Morley, who represents Osbaldwick, said: "It is disappointing that this decision has been made, but there are positive aspects to it.

"There was a commitment to making sure the mobile library provides a good short-term service, and also to continue looking for long-term alternatives."

City of York Council's planners last night voted to play a bigger part in defending their decisions after hearing that three appeals cost taxpayers a bill of up to £18,000.

As reported in Monday's Evening Press, inspectors overruled three decisions made by City of York Council last year, and awarded costs to appellants.

They were plans for an extension at Heworth Hall Drive, a coffee shop at Hull Road's B and Q and two houses in Drome Road, Copmanthorpe.

Councillors last night agreed that, if an application is refused when officers have recommended approval and an appeal is lodged, councillors should give a written statement outlining why the application was turned down.

Coun David Horton, chairman of the north west planning sub-committee, said: "All members agreed we should put our heads above the parapet and play a greater part in appeals."

Updated: 08:36 Wednesday, March 13, 2002