FIVE libraries that were closed to save cash have been saved.

Libraries at Ore, Pevensey Bay, Polegate and Willingdon will open as community libraries after a decision on Thursday by Councillor David Elkin, East Sussex County Council’s lead member for resources.

The five were among seven libraries which closed last month after the county council needed to make more savings due to government cuts.

Langney and Mayfield libraries remain closed.

Councillor Elkin said: “We’re delighted to be able to agree these very exciting plans for community libraries and look forward to them opening in the next few months.

“Closing libraries was a very difficult decision prompted by the severe financial pressures we’re under and the changing way in which people access library services, but we’ve always been committed to working with communities that wanted to retain a library in their town or village.

“Selling off or transferring the lease of these buildings would have generated a considerable amount of income for the council, but we recognise the value these community libraries will provide.

“The new community libraries will make a real difference to the people they serve, providing a valued service and bringing people together.”

Ore, Pevensey Bay, Ringmer and Willingdon will operate as volunteer-run community libraries.

Ore will be run by Ore Community Association, Pevensey Bay by Volunteers Network, Willingdon by Willingdon and Jevington Parish Council and Ringmer by the Ringmer Village Hall Management Committee.

Polegate Town Council will pay the county council to run its community library.

The library will provide similar services to when it was managed by the county council.

The town council has plans to turn it into a volunteer-run library.

Ringmer Library opened as a community library on Tuesday. The county council supplied books, furniture and shelving.

Terry Fawthrop, from Ore Community Association, is amon those celebrating the decision.

He said: “We are very pleased that we were able to step in and keep this much-valued community service open. We will now work with people in Ore to ensure we can provide the kind of community library that they want.”