A GROUP of Micklefield activists celebrated this morning after watching the library they campaigned to save for years being demolished.

However, thanks to £750,000 of Lottery funding the facility in Micklefield Road will be rebuilt bigger and better than before.

Three years ago the Micklefield Matters group formed to save the library, after Buckinghamshire County Council shortlisted it for closure.

They were told they could keep the library open by taking over the running of it, so started a concerted fundraising campaign.

Chris Turner, the chairman of the group of eight trustees, said: “We have demolished what was once described as a 'public lavatory'.

“We took over the running of the library for a good couple of years before we won the lottery money. Ironically now we are handing it back to the county.”

During the two years they were in charge the group raised £25,000 through a series of raffles and community events.

Mr Turner continued: “I think a lot of communities are having their assets stripped away, so to keep the library in Micklefield is fantastic.

“Now we can have things like a homework club, and the really fantastic thing is that it has been kept open by the people of Micklefield for this to happen.”

The building work is expected to take 32 weeks, with a grand opening planned for the new facility in October.

Included in the new structure will be an adult learning centre, counselling rooms, and internet facilities, as well as a garden behind it for nature and arts projects.

Judith Curry, the project manager for Bucks County Council, said: “My job really is to make sure the projects here and at Bourne End and Burnham libraries run to plan.

“The work done by the team here has meant we are able to improve the facilities there as well, which is a credit to them.”

Building work on the site is due to start on Thursday, February 19, by contractors Beard.