Residents gave their backing to Norbury Library's £1m refurbishment last week, the first stage of council plans to improve the borough's network.

More than 150 people attended an open day event hosted by councillors and council staff, filling out feedback forms to contribute their opinions on proposed designs.

The refurbishment, which is due to start over the summer, will include a full roof replacement, upgraded ICT, redecoration and new furniture.

An accessible lift will be installed to the first floor community room, bringing this space back into use.

The room will be named after long-serving Norbury councillor Maggie Mansell, who died in January this year.

Councillor Oliver Lewis, cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport, said: “We want Croydon libraries to be modern, welcoming spaces where people of all ages and backgrounds come to learn, read, work, meet people and get involved, so it’s great to see so many people giving their views on our plans for Norbury.

“The council is committed to keeping and improving all 13 of its libraries and this refurbishment will see this beautiful, historic building transformed into a modern library and events space at the heart of the community.”

Norbury is part of the first phase of the council’s refurbishment programme for all Croydon’s libraries. Selsdon, Norbury and Thornton Heath libraries will all be refurbished over the next year.

The plan follows the council’s decision to take the service back in-house last year, protecting this vital local service and library jobs after the collapse of contractor Carillion.