A library is set to close as the council moves forward with its plans to merge services with another site.

Harrow Borough Council will be closing The Civic Centre library in Station Road and merging all services into Gayton Library, in St John's Road, by the end of August.

The council says the Civic Centre library is underused and combining the two libraries will centralise services for Harrow.

Councillor David Perry, portfolio holder for community and cultural services, said: “I recognise that Harrow’s libraries are incredibly important to our residents, and ensuring that they continue to offer a high standard of service is a top priority for the council.

“This merger will provide substantial improvements to Gayton library. Every penny counts, and modernising our services is a great way of saving money.

“Feedback so far has been positive and our improvements will help the entire community access 21st century technology.”

Improvements will be made to Gayton library, including better study spaces, more books, greater access to online material and free Wi-Fi.

The merger comes as Harrow Council announced it will be entering into a new library and leisure contract.

Library services in the borough will be delivered by John Laing Integrated Services Ltd, which will also run the same service in neighbouring borough of Ealing, a decision the council cabinet is expected to approve at a meeting this month.

Councillor Perry added: “Ensuring that libraries and leisure centres continue to provide high standards is a top priority for the council and this new partnership will protect our services for the future, even though the council is facing unprecedented financial pressure.”