A new library has been given the go-ahead.

Councillors gave the £1.3 million development in Coldean, Brighton, the green light at a meeting of the planning committee this week (Weds 14).

Work on the new facility will start soon, and Councillor Pat Hawkes said the library should be open by the summer of 2008.

The old building in Beatty Avenue, Brighton, will be knocked down and replaced by six flats and a library which will be twice the size of the current facility.

More books for children and the visually impaired, better disabled access, public toilets and computers are among the new features which will be available at the new library.

Coun Hawkes said: "I am over the moon about the decision and it will give the community a facility that for a very long time it has needed but not had."

A replacement service will be provided in the Larchwood development next door while work is being carried out.