THE WRAPS have been pulled off a £70,000 extension at West End's popular public library, doubling the size of the building.

Access for disabled people and mothers with pushchairs has been improved and the number of books and videos available for loan has increased.

The library is also waiting to take delivery of computers which will provide a convenient access point to the Internet for West End residents.

Chairman of West End Parish Council Peter Humphreys officially opened the new building in the West End parish centre, Chapel Road.

Money for the work came from West End Parish Council, Eastleigh council and Hampshire County Council.

Clerk of West End Parish Council Bobbie Smith said: "The library was in a fairly cramped space and disabled access was poor.

"The extension has provided another 95 per cent of space. It is lighter and brighter.

"There will be Internet access, which we are just setting up, and more books and videos to borrow.

"I hope the work will benefit all ages of people in the community."

The library's opening hours are on Thursday and Saturday between 10am and 1pm and Tuesday and Friday between 2pm and 5pm.

The parish council is currently lobbying for more funds to pay for the library to open more often.