CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save Kidderminster Library’s top floor gallery from being downgraded will meet Worcestershire County Council staff.

Representatives of Kidderminster Gallery Friends and the county council will meet on Thursday to discuss two new options put forward by library service chiefs earlier this month.

One option would see the top-floor gallery moved to the current first floor reference area to make way for county council social service staff offices.

Another option sees a slightly smaller gallery space remain on the top-floor in its current position. Offices for social service staff would be in rooms next to the gallery as well as next to the first floor reference area.

Friends member Heather Wastie said: “We discount the first option but believe the second option is a good starting point for decisions.

“[The friends] have a meeting this week to discuss the agenda we will take to the council. We still believe social services offices could be accommodated elsewhere and hope the council continues to explore ways of doing this.”

The proposed changes are part of plans to cut £1.8 million – 28 per cent – from the service’s budget over three years.

Carol Brown, from the council’s libraries and learning service leadership team, said meetings with local art groups would take place before final plans were drawn up.