WEST Dorset MP Oliver Letwin has pledged to investigate ways to keep a threatened library from closing.

Puddletown Library is one of 13 across Dorset facing an uncertain future as council leaders try to save massive shortfalls in funding.

But campaigners in the village hope that with the help of the MP a solution can be found to keep the library open.

Mr Letwin met with members of Puddletown Parish Council and the Puddletown Society to discuss the way ahead.

And he agreed to help campaigners lift the threat facing the libraries in Dorset.

Spokesman for the campaigners Mike Chaney said the talks had been very positive and that Mr Letwin said he was hopeful that a way could be found to keep the library open.

"Mr Letwin volunteered to make some calls on the villagers' behalf and said he would return to Puddletown next week to report progress.

"For their part, the villagers agreed to refine and quantify the assistance they can give the county council in its bid to cut the cost of running its library network."

Dorset County Council announced almost two years ago plans to close 13 of the smaller libraries across the county. Those affected are at Burton Bradstock, Charmouth, Chickerell, Colehill, Corfe Mullen, Corfe Castle, Crossways, Lytchett Matravers, Portland Underhill, Puddletown, Stalbridge, Wool and Wyke Regis.

But there was such a backlash against the proposals that the council is now working on proposals which could see communities running their own facilities with support from the council.

Officers at the county council are currently drawing up a report on work carried out over the last 12 months on the future management of the libraries involved in the review.

The report will look into alternative ways of managing the affected libraries. A report is expected to be presented to the council in June or July.