Powys County Council has announced that Welshpool Library will move to Powysland Museum later this year.

They say the move will help "preserve valuable services" in the town following a review of county council-owned buildings in the north of the county.

In December, the council’s cabinet approved the closure of the council’s main building in Welshpool, Neuadd Maldwyn, with services moving to Newtown and alternative premises in Welshpool.

Councillor Phyl Davies, Cabinet Member for Highways, Recycling and Assets said: “We know the decision will be disappointing to some but we hope that service users and residents understand that we have to make the very best use of precious resources and that means taking difficult decisions.

“The financial pressures facing the council meant that the status quo was not viable and we believe that, having considered all options, co-location is the best option to maintain services and make the best use of the county council’s property.”

Councillor Rachel Powell, Cabinet Member for Young People and Culture added: “We thank the public for taking part in the consultation and for their many constructive suggestions which were carefully considered. Our aim has always been to make sure that the library and museum had a stable and sustainable future and I believe the decision has achieved that goal.

“As a council we have already successfully co-located services in a number of towns and believe the decision will preserve valuable services in Welshpool and provide future opportunities for both the library and museum.”

A decision on future core service accommodation in the town and the library was delegated to the Portfolio Holder for Highways, Recycling and Assets, Portfolio Holder for Young People and Culture and the Director of Environment.

A copy of the delegated intended decision is available on the council’s website and will become a decision on Wednesday, February 13.