CAMPAIGNERS are celebrating as Chineham Library is set to be saved from closure following a public consultation.

As previously reported, ten libraries across Hampshire including three locally faced being permanently shut down.

Cllr Sean Woodward will make the final decision next week, and it is recommended that Chineham Library remains open but South Ham and Odiham’s facilities close.

Those that survive face having their opening hours slashed by up to 39 per cent in cuts that will transform the future of the service across the county.

Speaking after the announcement, a spokesperson for Friends of Chineham Library said: “Hampshire County Council should be ashamed of themselves.”

Read the full story in this week's paper. Also:

  • Plans that will see Basingstoke Golf Club redeveloped and 1,000 homes built have been given the green light.
  • An army major based in Tidworth has passed through Basingstoke this week as part of his 700-mile barefoot walk across the country.
  • Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council have axed a new job with a whopping £67k salary, after criticism from the public and councillors.
  • The Trust that runs Basingstoke and Andover hospitals is taking to the road to conduct coronavirus tests in a pilot scheme for the government.
  • After The Gazette announced its backing of Basingstoke Together’s I Buy Basingstoke campaign, we caught up with The Shabby Gourmet, who told us what business has been like during the pandemic.
  • The trust which runs Basingstoke and Andover hospitals is preparing for a possible second peak of Covid-19 in July, September or November this year.
  • A new charter that will set the gold standard of building in the borough will be produced, senior councillors have confirmed.
  • Plus, the latest from North Hampshire's Magistrates' Courts.
  • Two pages of your letters to the editor.
  • Two pages of news from our communities, plus leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Cllr Ken Rhatigan's latest column.
  • An eight-page puzzle special.
  • The best photos of Comet Neowise from our Camera Club members.
  • Two pages of business news.
  • Three pages of entertainment news.
  • And much more!

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