A site has been found for a modern library in Crawley after a search of more than ten years.

Two councils have struck a land deal which could finally herald the building of the town's long-awaited new library.

Crawley Borough Council is to take over ownership of a car park in Haslett Avenue from West Sussex County Council, which could provide a site for the library.

Residents will be given a say in how the site, which will include homes, is to be developed.

David Dewdney, county council Cabinet member, said: "At last we could be near to building this prestigious library, which is long overdue.

"Now we have a firm deal for a potential site, we can come up with proposals."

While county council officers work on planning permission and funding for the project, architects will be appointed to design the library.

Mr Dewdney added: "We will be inviting the public to comment on the future of one of Crawley's most indispensable assets."

The planning brief for the car park site will include affordability and key worker homes.