Museum and archive services in Powys are to re-open and libraries will be extending their operations as lockdown continues to lift, Powys County Council has confirmed.

The council’s cabinet has agreed a phased opening for archives and museum services from Friday (July 31), and the county archives will open for booked appointments from August 3.

Radnorshire Museum, Llandrindod Wells and y Gaer Museum and Art Gallery, Brecon will re-open from Friday July 31, and Y Lanfa / The Wharf: Powysland Museum, Welshpool will open from Saturday August 1.

Library services available to residents during August and early September will also be extended, where there is sufficient staffing in place to operate safely and it is possible to maintain social distancing.

All developments will run alongside the current order and collect library book scheme operating from seven sites, which will gradually extend to other libraries. It will continue to be offered for the long term, for those readers who would prefer a non-contact service.

The second phase of library recovery will see computer use, printing, scanning, copying and council transactions available to the public by appointment only, with computer use for a maximum of one hour.

Further recovery work will see the introduction of short slots for readers to be able to browse and select books for themselves. Residents will be asked to comply with safety procedures, which may vary locally depending on the premises.

Opening hours will be restricted to enable staff to carry out additional duties safely.