Separate libraries will stay open in both Cheslyn Hay and Great Wyrley after officials turned their back on controversial plans to merge the facilities.

Drastic proposals to combine the village’s libraries caused controversy in the two areas but it has now come to light that officials are veering away from such a move.

Instead they have now started looking for suitable buildings in both villages in which a library facility could be based.

Richard Caddy, spokesman for Staffordshire County Council, said: “We are committed to providing a library in each village and we are looking at certain options that are available. We are actively looking for buildings that could be suitable.”

Both buildings are old and said to be reaching the end of their design life.

In 2004 the idea was to close the two facilities and merge them on one site, funded by the money raised from the building sales.