THE news that community groups will take over the running of five libraries in the Vale of Glamorgan has been welcomed by those set to take over the services.

The council has been working with community groups in Dinas Powys and Sully since May 2015 to help them prepare to take over the running of their local libraries and maintain a "comprehensive and effective service" .

The transfer of these two libraries - along with Wenvoe, St Athan and Rhoose - which is part of a larger reshaping of the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s library service was agreed by the local authority in a cabinet meeting on Monday.

It is estimated it will result in savings of £525,000 during 2015/16 and 2016/17.

Councillor Chris Franks is on the steering committee for the Dinas Powys library.

He said: "We've just been waiting for the green light and we've had tremendous public support throughout the process."

He added that there is plenty of behind the scenes work left to do before the community run library is up and running, but added: "We can now start to put plans into action and agree our constitution but it has been very sad that the library staff have been so disrupted."

David Roberts has been one of four people behind the Sully bid and has said he is delighted with the news.

"It has taken us several months of really hard work but we've really taken it forward and provided all the necessary information to the council," he said.

Steve Thomas, Richard Thomas and Chris Tatt have joined Mr Roberts in leading the campaign for a community library for the residents of Sully and Lavernock.

Mr Roberts said they have already recruited a number of volunteers and are looking for continued community support.

He added: "The main thing is that the library will stay open."

Councillor Stuart Egan proposed that the cabinet agreed the establishment of community libraries by no later than May 31.

He also recommended that the local authority begins to enter into legal, lease and transfer of asset agreements with community groups.

The local authority agreed to pay a total of £97,310 to cover start up costs and building maintenance.

If it legal agreements are not finalised within one year or more, a further report will be presented to cabinet.

There will be a progress report presented to cabinet one year after the libraries have been taken into community group ownership.

Cllr Egan added: "I have no doubt that these groups will prove to be excellent custodians of these much valued assets.”

Vale of Glamorgan assembly member, Andrew RT Davies welcomed the decision saying that many residents and community groups have campaigned defiantly to ensure the focal role of the local library was maintained.