CHARMOUTH Library could be reopened as a community hub by December as plans are approved for an extension to the building.

Volunteers from the village have agreed to take over the library following county council cuts and it has relaunched as Charmouth Central.

It has been renamed to symbolise its new role as a community complex, offering activities for all ages, and has become a company limited by guarantee.

Plans have now been approved for an extension to the building to create a meeting room, retail area, internet cafe, public toilet, and disabled access.

The Friends of Charmouth Library said the extension is essential to generate enough income to cover the running costs of the building.

But the extension will only be possible if they can secure a £50,000 grant from Village SOS, part of the Big Lottery Fund.

And in a further twist, the grant will only be possible if the Friends can take over the freehold of the building from Dorset County Council.

Hazel Robinson, chairman of the Friends, said: “Of course, the extension depends on a grant from Village SOS and the grant depends on our having the freehold.

“Training of volunteers has begun and, though the date for handover has slowly moved away from its original date of September 1, it does look as though Charmouth will have its community library by December – maybe.”

The Friends will hold its annual general meeting on Monday, October 22 from 5.30pm to 7.30pm in The Elms.