Northumberland library closure plans are shelved

A further six - in Widdrington, Bellingham, Seaton Sluice, Guide Post, Allendale and Bedlington town centre - were also flagged for potential closure if savings of up to £30m had to be found.

But following an independent review, initial savings have been found elsewhere and the 12 libraries will not be closing in the immediate future.

Decisions will remain on hold until consultation with users and communities have taken place over the next six to 12 months to determine what their needs are "to try to find creative and sustainable ways in which to provide library services in the future".

The decision was greeted with cautious optimism by people involved with the community libraries, who were pleased at the stay of execution.

Scott Dickinson from Hadston House, which houses Hadston's library, said: "I'm pleased the administration has put it on hold for a while, but I don't have much confidence in the consultation procedure - we spent a lot of time in meetings over the day care centres.

"I expect their hand has been forced on this. We're more than happy to enter talks with the county council and I look forward to seeing what they're actually going to propose. However I'm quietly confident because these closures will have to go to full council."

Cath Davidson, who chairs Lynemouth Parish Council, said the idea of closing the library was "heartbreaking". She said "I'm delighted - hopefully it will be made permanent. But I have doubts. I'm not very sure how to read that crew. They're not wanting to be embarrassed because we make such a noise about it."

Steve Webb, who runs the only shop in Kielder village, said: "This is good news, in that it isn't a draconian 'you've had your chance'. The fact they're offering a community voice is very good because the people who do use it can start raising awareness."

The review is being carried out by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council, which recently condemned library closure proposals on the Wirral.

Northumberland County Council said the savings were found through "business rate savings through changed management arrangements" and leasing costs where a mobile library was not replaced after being damaged by flooding in Morpeth.