A LIBRARY threatened with closure last week reopened after a major refurbishment to install new facilities.

Ordnance Road Library, one of three facing possible closure in the north-east of the borough, had two new self-issue kiosks installed to help free up staff time and make borrowing books easier.

But the revamped building, which reopened on Tuesday last week, could be hit by the council's attempt to find savings of £1 million in the library service after government cuts, although councillors deny any decisions have been taken.

Councillor Bambos Charalambous, cabinet member for leisure and culture, said: “Ordnance Road Library is one of our key libraries in a busy part of the borough which does suffer deprivation.

“Not everyone in this ward has easy access to computers, books or study materials, so it has always been vital that this library remains well equipped and modern.

“By removing the old counter and putting in these new self-issue kiosks it will allow more people to check out more items more quickly. They will also be able to access popular items more easily.”

A new jobs club will also start in the library this month, funded by Jobcentre Plus.

The three libraries under threat – Ordnance Road, Bullsmoor and Enfield Highway – are all in the north east of Enfield, so closures would leave the area with only Enfield Island Village Library for services.

Enfield North MP Nick de Bois started the Hands Off Our Libraries campaign last month to try and stop any closures and rejected the idea that closures would be the result of government cuts.

Councillors announced £35 million in cuts when setting the borough's budget in March, but say they must make continue to make savings over the next four years.

It also emerged in March's full council meeting that the borough's finance chief, Councillor Andrew Stafford had been telling residents there were “too many libraries in the borough”, and that some could close later in the year.