Birmingham City Council has welcomed a proposal for the Library of Birmingham to become a regional centre for the British Library.

The council said the plans, which are in the early stages of discussion, could help negate cuts to opening hours and services across the city, as announced in the council’s 2015/16 budget white paper launched last month.

Cllr Penny Holbrook, cabinet member for skills learning and culture said: ‘When we announced the proposed cuts, I said we were doing this with a heavy heart.

‘But as with any possible cut, we will leave no stone unturned to find alternative ways forward. We will do whatever it takes to save services if possible. ‘With that in mind, we now have an interesting idea which could ensure we continue to have a flagship library service the city can be proud of.’

The council warned that if the proposal proved to be unworkable, it would need to proceed with the proposed cuts.