OUR cash-strapped libraries have received a boost from the Government. But sadly, it's not a financial one!

Ministers have praised the council's action plan for future improvements as "good", which places the borough in the top division.

But the major stumbling block for Bury is that it cannot find the cash to make these improvements.

And it's a race against time: for the first time, ministers have introduced national minimum standards which libraries must meet.

As previously reported, Bury needs to find up to £6 million to meet the Government's targets by 2004.

Councillor Trevor Holt, chairman of lifelong learning, said: "Bury's libraries do what they do very well. It's a good service and one which is very popular with residents.

"However, because of cuts over the last few years, we've not been able to develop it to the extent it should have been. We don't have the resources we need. It would be nice to get some outside help!"

Coun Holt could not promise how much would be forthcoming when councillors set the budget in March.

"I would love to see more funding, but I am conscious that there are many calls on the council's budget."