A START date has been set for Burnley's newest library - and the death knell has finally sounded for three branch sites.

Longer opening hours are being promised for the new Burnley Campus library, when it begins welcoming readers on September 8.

The new library will be part of the Burnley Sixth Form College development and will boast around 12,000 items including the educational establishment's stock.

There will be a wide range of books, CDs and DVDs for loan to adults, younger people and children.

But the announcement coincides with closure notices being issued for the town's Colne Road, Brunshaw and Barbon Street libraries.

The three branches were identified for closure under a Lancashire County Council review last year but have continued trading until the campus library was completed.

A fall in visitor numbers was identified.

The three buildings will close on Saturday, August 16, to allow for their stocks to be transferred to the new facility.

The Colne Road library was the subject of a £100,000 upgrade only four years ago, including improved disabled access.

Briercliffe and Pike Hill libraries survived the county council cull.

Thursby Gardens Residents Group has signalled that it would like to take over the library building and continue to provide computer sessions and homework clubs from the premises.

Meanwhile the new campus library will be open between 8am and 8pm during term time for students and local people.

Twelve new computers will be available for public use in the library and ICT classes will be held from one of the Independent Learning Centres in the school.

County Councillor Anne Brown, the county council's cabinet Member for adult and community services, said: "The Burnley Campus is a hugely exciting project for the area and will be an exciting place to visit with all the extended school and community activities available.

"The library will play a vital part in its development and the range of services that will be provided.

"This is a modern, flexible and inviting facility that will benefit not only students, staff and teachers, but the local community, young and old alike, whatever their interests."

The campus will also feature a primary, special and nursery schools, and day-care facilities as part of the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme.

The complex also features a faith centre, Barden Community Centre and café facilities.