CIVIC chiefs in Winchester have announced they are edging closer to resolving the deadlock over the future of the Jewry Street library.

The county council wants to extend the 19th century building into Hampshire's flagship library. But the city council is opposed to any expansion that would seriously reduce the number of spaces in its public car park.

The impasse had looked like scuppering the multi-million pound project.

Now the county has announced progress with the launching of a feasibility study. A report is expected to go before councillors in December.

At the full city council meeting on Wednesday night, council leader John Steel said he hoped to discuss the project with Ken Thornber, the county council leader, in late November or early December. Mr Steel said the county council assessment may involve the drilling of "one or two" trial holes to test ground conditions.

The work would be done over weekends this month to avoid disrupting parking in the run up to Christmas.

He had told his officers to co-operate with this earlier rather than later to avoid disruption nearer to Christmas.

Mr Thornber said: "I'm pleased that plans to extend or refurbish Winchester lending library are moving forward.

"This is an important scheme and both the county and city councils are keen to work together to bring about improvements to the existing facilities."