HISTORIANS can celebrate today after library bosses promised they would not be replacing the ancient doors at the Darwen premises.

Staff at the Knott-Street centre have been inundated with calls about the doors, which date back to 1908 after it was reported they were going to be removed and automatic new ones fitted instead.

Today it was revealed the doors will be staying put afterall, but will be fitted with automatic springs to make them easier to open.

The refurbishment project is expected to cost £10,000 and will also include an enlarged information desk at the back of the library to deal with the Library Theatre enquiries.

Catherine Snelling, library manager, said: "We have had one particular lady asking what we would be doing with the doors once they were taken down.

"It has obviously raised some concerns with people in the town but we want to reassure them that they are not being replaced but being made automatic so they will open a lot easier."

The library is due to close on Tuesday and Wednesday August 22 and 23 while the improvement works are carried out.