Plans to extend a Suffolk market town's library have received a major boost.

Following a £32,000 funding stream via East Suffolk Council it means an ambitious project to replace and improve the entrance foyer to Bungay Library "can now go ahead."

Earlier this year, and with the library foyer at Bungay Library in "urgent need of replacement", a consultation was launched as Suffolk Libraries and the Friends of Bungay Library sought people's views on proposed changes.

Eastern Daily Press: Bungay Library. Picture: Archant.

With a scheme being developed that would provide a larger and more welcoming and useful entrance area at the library and benefit the community, the Friends of Bungay Library contributed at least £10,000 towards the work.

And now the Bungay Library extension project has received a further funding boost - with £32,400 secured from East Suffolk Council after an application for district Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) was approved last month.

A Suffolk Libraries spokesman said: "This means that exciting plans to replace and improve the entrance foyer at the library can now go ahead.

"The plans for the library involve providing a larger and more welcoming entrance area at the library."

As well as the CIL funding, and the Friends of Bungay Community Library contribution, numerous local charities have also contributed along with funds from Suffolk County Council.

Christine Douglas, the chair of the Friends of Bungay Community Library, said: "This project has been planned for some time so we are delighted to be able to progress now we have secured the funding we need.

"What is planned will hugely benefit everyone in the community, particularly disabled people and families with buggies as the library will be more accessible.

"It will enable us to do so much more for our customers."

Eastern Daily Press: A flashback to children at Bungay Library picking up their certificates for successfully completing the summer reading challenge Picture: SubmittedA flashback to children at Bungay Library picking up their certificates for successfully completing the summer reading challenge Picture: Submitted (Image: Archant)

Amanda King, Executive Library Manager and Manager of Bungay Community Library, added: "The plans are very exciting.

"This is going to help us provide an even better and more accessible service."

The project is currently going out to tender to secure the builders to do the work and it is hoped the work will take place in the spring of 2024.