THREE Newport libraries could benefit from £120,000 improvements if the city council is successful in gaining funding.

The authority will apply to the Welsh Government’s advisory body for museums, archives and libraries, CyMAL, for grants of up to £120,000 per scheme, to carry out refurbishments to Bettws and Ringland libraries and relocate Caerleon library.

A report to councillors says the money would help bring Bettws library up to date and make it the hub of the community with space for local groups.

If granted the layout of the ground floor could be changed to create a meeting or class room and the outside of the building, which has deteriorated rapidly in recent years, could be upgraded.

Similar improvements could be made at Ringland library, and if funding is granted both sites could also house one of the council’s satellite Face2Face centre’s where residents could access information and advice on council services and pay bills.

Caerleon library, which is in the grounds of Caerleon Comprehensive school, could be moved to the ground floor of the Town Hall under the plans.

The report says that while the arrangement has been in place for a long time it was becoming difficult for both the school, which wants to use the building, and for the users of the library, which has no room to expand.

Caerleon councillor Charles Ferris welcomed proposals to relocate the town’s library.

He said the current arrangement “pleases no-one” and relocation would provide better security for pupils as well as encouraging more people to use the Town Hall.

The cost of the work for each scheme has not yet been fully calculated and the council would need to provide 10 per cent, the report says.