Skipton MP Julian Smith has welcomed North Yorkshire County Council’s commitment to broadband access in libraries.

The authority has announced it will pay the annual cost of connection to the internet, the library network and self-issue machines at five libraries, including Gargrave, which are being taken over by their communities in May. This amounts to almost £3,000.

At Embsay, the council has agreed a one-off commitment of £3,000 to fund library management systems and internet set-up costs.

Mr Smith, who has been leading the Broadband North Yorkshire campaign, said: “At a time when so much investment is going into improving broadband in North Yorkshire it is vital that community hubs, such as libraries, are able to provide access.

“I congratulate the county council for investing this money in internet connections and the library network which will support the volunteers who have come together to run branches in North Yorkshire’s villages.

“Libraries are vital for our communities and I hope all those branches which will now be run by communities get the support of residents and businesses to ensure a strong future.”