A MALVERN toy library, which was forced to close last month, hopes it has found suitable new premises.

The Borrowers Toy Library had to leave its home in Priory Road at the beginning of August because of forthcoming work to create a new sports hall next to the Splash.

But organisers are now pinning their hopes for a new home base on a disused plastics factory in Barnards Green.

And they have submitted a planning application to Malvern Hills District Council for change of use to enable them to occupy part of the premises.

"It's on land behind the post office and that row of shops," said library chairman Evelyn Cunningham.

"It's actually more suitable than the Priory Road site because it's got its own parking. While we were at Priory Road we actually lost some members because they did not like the idea of crossing the road to the car park with all their toddlers and toys."

But inevitable delays in the planning process mean the library is unlikely to open its doors in September as usual.

"They said it was not likely to be dealt with until the October meeting, so we have just got to wait until then," said Mrs Cunningham.

Library organisers and volunteers are now hoping planners will look kindly upon their scheme.

Mrs Cunningham said: "When we were looking at a site in Spring Lane the planners were quick to tell us we were unlikely to get approval there. This time they haven't said anything negative."

And she said the library was looking forward to resuming operations. It received a Lottery grant of more than £100,000 in the summer, which will help fund a paid co-ordinator, extending opening hours.

An outreach project at the new Langland community centre in Baxter's Walk is also envisaged.