Croydon Council has made a guarantee to retain the jobs of the borough’s library staff after the collapse of company Carillion.

The construction giant announced this morning (January 15) that it would take steps to enter into compulsory liquidation.

The council has also announced today that it intends to terminate its contract with Carillion, which took over the running of Croydon's libraries in 2012.

Councillor Timothy Godfrey said the writing was on the wall for Carillion.

“The council has been considering its options over the past few months after it became clear that Carillion was running into difficulties," he said.

"We are determined to protect and boost our libraries for residents now and for generations to come.”

"Council officers will be working with libraries today "to ensure they remain open."

Councillor Tony Newman said it was vital that libraries continue to operate as normal.

“The libraries were outsourced by the previous administration, which was something that we didn’t support," he said.

"I am pleased that we’ve been able to take prompt action to secure the library service and the jobs of library staff.

"In the year we bid to become London Borough of Culture it is important to ensure libraries are at the heart of all our communities.”