TWO Rossendale libraries are in line to benefit from a major refurbishment project.

Bacup and Whitworth Libraries, which are both in need of investment, will receive a share of £1.5million as part of the plans.

The money would be spent on making the current services more attractive and flexible as well as developing the exterior of the buildings.

Local people will have their say on what they would like to see in the libraries through questionnaires as part of the ‘Shape Your Space’ scheme.

Capital funding has been made available to regenerate libraries across the region, and the two Rossendale facilities have reached the third phase for redevelopment.

Councillors in Rossendale are being asked to back the bid for the money at the Rossendale Local meeting next week.

County Coun Sean Serridge said: “I am absolutely delighted about the prospect of developing the library services in both Bacup and Whitworth.

“The libraries are not only a place where people can pick up books, like it they were years ago, but they now offer a range of fantastic services and are worthy of investment.

Coun Alyson Barnes said: “Any investment in the library service is very welcome.

“It’s great to see that investment is coming to Bacup and Whitworth, and I am very interested to see what materialises.”

The Rossendale Local meeting, which is open to the public and takes place at 6.30pm on Monday December 1, at Whitworth Civic Hall, the Riverside.

Should the two libraries be approved, work would start in 2009 and continue into 2010.