RESIDENTS of a border town renowned for its literature festival have until the weekend to put forward views on the future of their library.

Hay-on-Wye library is one of 11 which are currently being reviewed by Powys County Council in a bid to save money.

Library users have until Sunday to put forward proposals and give their views on how to sustain the town's library service in the future.

One of the plans being considered includes incorporating the library as part of the new primary school which county councillor Gareth Radcliffe says is positive news.

He said: "We need to know what level and what type of service we will have.

"These are the questions we need to ask and we need to know how our library service is going to be run in the future.

"Hay is the town of books so it is important that we keep the library strong.

"We have already been discussing with the county council plans to keep the library at the heart of the community.

"The council is facing dramatic cuts so we need to work more closely together. It's pleasing news that they are already making plans to maintain the library in Hay-on-Wye."

Hay-on-Wye library currently costs £37,500 a year to run of which £7,000 is contributed by Hay Festival.

Last year it had 19,244 visitors with over 20,000 items loaned out.

Cllr Radcliffe added that thanks to grants from community groups including Hay Festival the library has been able to retain its opening hours.

He added: "Where others towns have had their opening hours cut they also had a dramatic cut in footfall."

Cabinet Member responsible for libraries, Councillor Graham Brown said that ideas put forward will help the council make the savings needed.

He added: "What we are trying to do via this exercise is look at all options and invite proposals, views and ideas so we can find new and innovative ways to keep the libraries open wherever possible.

"We’ve had over 400 surveys returned and some interesting conversations and proposals put forward. After the closing date we’ll be looking at all views and ideas in more detail and hope to take those forward that help us to realise the savings needed.”

The consultation closes on Sunday. A paper surveys is available at the town's library and an online survey is also available on the Powys County Council website.

A report with the findings will be going to council's cabinet in the autumn.