A closure-threatened library has been spared the axe after a community group stepped in to run it for the next three years.

Wrose library was earmarked for closure by Bradford Council to make savings of £70,000.

But now community groups have agreed to fund the running of the library, in Wrose Road, and staff it with 12 volunteers.

A team funded by Wrose Community Association and Wrose Parish Council will take over the library this week.

Volunteer Jean Hunter, of Low Ash Drive, said: “It’s quite exciting and we’re looking forward to the challenge.

“Bradford library service has been really helpful and the staff there are providing ongoing support until we’re confident to go it alone.”

The closure of libraries in Heaton, Wilsden, Denholme and Addingham, as well as Wrose Library, was announced in February when the Council was forced to make budget cuts after the Government slashed funding.

Bradford Council began a consultation in March in an attempt to find viable alternatives to fund and run the libraries, and groups were asked to put forward their plans.

Wrose Community Association stepped in to rescue the library following fears the library’s closure would mean the loss of another valuable community asset after Wrose Community Centre was sold to a private developer in 2009.

Ward councillor Susan Hinchcliffe (Lab) has supported the community group in their battle to keep the local library service. She said: “There’s still a lot of work to do but we’re all so grateful to Wrose Community Association, the parish council and particularly to this great band of volunteers.”

To volunteer at Wrose Library, e-mail librarywrose@gmail.com, call Coun Hinchcliffe on 07971 562628or call in Mondays and Thursdays 2pm to 5pm and Saturdays 9.30am to noon.

e-mail: marc.meneaud@telegraphandargus.co.uk