A NEW Exmouth library and community hub, befitting Devon s largest town, could be on the cards after all, say county bosses.

A NEW Exmouth library and community hub, befitting Devon's largest town, could be on the cards after all, say county bosses.

Currently six libraries across the county are undergoing a �650,000 refit and Seaton Library is getting a new young people's area and larger children's library.

It has long been accepted that Exmouth's current library is too small for the town and there were hopes that a new library would be part of a new Asda retail complex on the estuary

But, in February 2009, the retail giant pulled the plug on the scheme, citing economic pressures.

When that fell through it was suggested that the reference section of the Exeter Road library could be relocated to the now-closed Rolle College, in Douglas Avenue, freeing up valuable space.

Now, the latest thinking is that a new improved facility could become part of the Exmouth Masterplan, a blueprint aiming to improve the town centre being drawn up by East Devon District Council, Devon County Council and local company, LDA Design.

Devon County Council's cabinet member responsible for Devon's libraries, Cllr Stuart Barker, said: "Exmouth Library was recently refurbished at the start of the year, even though we know that the town needs improved library services, as soon as possible.

"Having lost the opportunity to provide a new library as part of a retail development proposal, we have discussed options with the town's master planning group to explore the possibility of developing community facilities in the town and anticipate that a new library will be included in those plans.

"It will contain all the benefits and features of the new 21st Century libraries that we are developing elsewhere in Devon and will also include space for additional community services.