PLANS to give Westbury Library a huge overhaul have been revealed, which could see it become the location for the town's desperately needed Post Office.

A feasibility study is currently under way to assess the best plan of action for the redevelopment before a planning application is submitted for Westbury House on Edward Street.

Built in the early 19th century, it was the home of town benefactor Abraham Laverton between 1859-1888. Grade 1 listed, it became the town's library in 1970.

Cllr Jerry Wickham said it is an exciting opportunity for the building, and the town as a whole.

He said: “A few years ago there was a consultation to see if a campus in Westbury based on a sports centre, swimming pool and library could happen.

“But due to increasing financial pressures it wasn’t feasible in the end so it has been decided that work will be carried out on redeveloping the library instead.

“The feasibility study is now under way, looking at the potential of a large modern ground floor extension with a glass atrium feel – similar to The Holburne Museum in Bath.

“On the second and third floors there are plans to have either residential or office accommodation which can be rented out.”

The Post Office in the town closed its doors for good in November after Lidl bought the Co-operative.

Since then frustration has been growing in the town as people have had to travel to other towns to use Post Office facilities, but Cllr Wickham added that the newly refurbished library could become its new home.

“One of the ideas we’re not completely closing our ears to is for the library to become the location for a new Post Office,” he added.

“I met with representatives from Lidl recently and they categorically said that they have no plans to open up a Post Office in their supermarket when they open up, so a new place has to be found.

“It’s very early stages yet, but we’re not ruling it out altogether.

“The overall idea is to turn the library into an exciting facility which the whole community can benefit from, and I for one am excited about this development.”