New bid for bigger library

The campaign, launched on Monday, pushes for an extension to the rear of the Western Road building, creating more space for state-of-the-art facilities.

Mr Barker said: "This is the second biggest library in East Sussex but the facilities are woefully inadequate for the demand. Local people deserve better.

"It is an excellent site for a library - right in the heart of the town - but we need to extend and put in state-of-the-art facilities.

"It needs to be made much more accessible and user friendly to our elderly residents and more available to young people and students who would like to see the library open in the evening, making it's resources available to help with homework and revision.

"I want to see the creation of a brand new exhibition space which could be used in conjunction with local museums and societies."

Petitions to support the campaign will be circulated as well as being available at the library.

Funding for an extension may prove difficult while support is expected from most areas of the community.

"County Council, who are responsible for libraries, are very supportive of this campaign.

"As a huge amount of cash has been diverted from this part of the country I will have to be very creative in finding funding.

"I will be raising this with SEEDA as an integral part of regeneration in Bexhill.

"A bigger library would underpin the educational dimension of regeneration."

Many library users will be keen to see the architectural style of the library maintained.

Mr Barker said: "While I would like to see the Edwardian facade restored and retained, the main building needs to be gutted and radically extended over land to the rear."

The aim is not only for physical renovation but also for people to see the library in a different light.

"There is a perception that libraries are old fashioned but there is an opportunity here to show an exciting venture which is extremely relevant."