work on a new £14.5million town hall means existing facilities will soon be on the move into temporary accommodation.

Johnstone's library and community facilities are moving to allow work to take place.

The moves follow a Meet Your New Hub event, which Renfrewshire Council says got a resounding 'thumbs up' from residents to the plans.

The library will operate as normal in the run-up to Christmas, while the move to its new temporary site is expected to take place in January. Book loans will be adjusted to cover the temporary closure.

Councillor Iain McMillan, convener of the council's community and family care policy board, said, "I am delighted with the speed of progress. This new development, which has been warmly embraced by the community, heralds an exciting time for Johnstone.

"The new town hall will play a major role in the heart of the community and breathe new life into the town centre.

"We have worked closely with residents and businesses developing plans for the town hall and their enthusiasm has been clear from the outset.

"We will continue to work with them to minimise disruption during the construction process and deliver a town hall to be proud of."

The new building, which is scheduled to open in the spring of 2015, will offer a range of council services under one roof in the centre of the town.

Customer services, housing, social work, advice works, Johnstone library, a theatre space, a cafe, community and conference spaces, the Marriage Suite and the Registration Service will all be together.

Police and Macmillan Cancer Support will also be based in the building.

To make way for the building, the old library and town hall will be demolished next spring.

The workers that handle bookings for community facilities and sports pitches have now moved from the old town hall to St Catherine's Primary School. Bookings can be made by calling 0141 848 6140 or by e-mail at: comfac. els@renfrewshire.gov.uk

ewan.fergus@ eveningtimes.co.uk