Run-down libraries could be improved - by knocking them down and redeveloping the sites.

The radical plan is being considered by Oxfordshire County Council which would sell part of the sites for shops or flats to fund better libraries.

The council's property agent, WS Atkins, is looking at the county's 15 most inadequate libraries to see how they could be improved without the cash-strapped council having to spend any money.

A housing association had approached the council with the idea of demolishing Summertown library and building a new one along with shops and flats on the site.

The plan was dropped because the Summertown site was not considered suitable, but the idea is now being looked at elsewhere - including Banbury, Botley, Bicester, Burford, Chipping Norton and Kidlington.

Kidlington's library - which has been identified as grossly inadequate for the population it serves - has been picked out as a potential site for rebuilding with shops and housing. It has spare land around it and is owned outright by the council.

Officers will be reporting back to councillors with their findings later this year. If the options look viable, local communities will be approached for their views.

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