The fight to save a historic library building from permanent closure is set to be offered a lifeline after an action plan to save it was set up.

Kent County Council (KCC) intends to shut the 135-year-old Grace Hill asset in Folkestone due to huge renovation and repair costs.

The site has been closed since water entered the structure in December causing flood damage and making it unsafe.

But costs to fix the problems are estimated to be almost £2 million and the council says it cannot afford to carry them out.

Now, Folkestone and Hythe MP Damian Collins has confirmed a plan of action has been set up to prevent the loss of the centre.

Mr Collins said he has spoken to the Libraries Minister, Stephen Parkinson, for information about government funding which could help pay for the repairs.

He added: "He has advised me that in April the Arts Council will be opening the third round of the Libraries Improvement Fund and Kent County Council has also confirmed to me that it will be applying for this.

"The Folkestone Library in Grace Hill is an important community building that is part of our cultural heritage.

"I want to see it not just survive the current issues it faces over the costs of necessary repairs, but also to thrive in the future.

"When libraries like this were first created, they were often the only places where many people could access news, information or get hold of a book they wanted to read.

"The world is very different now, but in this age of the internet, when we have access to the world’s knowledge in the palm of our hands, we also need places where people can come together."

Last week, deputy leader for the authority – which is responsible for running Kent's libraries – Cllr Peter Oakford (Con) confirmed it is unlikely the library will ever reopen.

"I want to see it not just survive the current issues it faces over the costs of necessary repairs, but also to thrive in the future..."

Mr Collins said the case has been put forward at County Hall by fellow Tory and county councillor for Folkestone West Dylan Jeffrey calling for library services to remain in the town centre even if they are located away from Grace Hill "whilst we all explore possibilities about getting the building repaired".

The MP added: "There is then the question of the future of the building itself, which provides not just library services, but also the Sassoon Room exhibition space.

"I believe that the Grace Hill building has great potential as a culture and heritage centre and is not being fully utilised.

"When you look at successful libraries elsewhere in the country, they have brought together other activities alongside their lending services, to create vibrant community hubs.

"I want us to look at what more we could do to improve the use of the Folkestone library, and will be contacting other organisations to see what help they could provide with this.

"Our three point plan for Folkestone Library is: a commitment to library services staying in Folkestone town centre; to seek funding to support Folkestone Library; and to create a long term plan for the future of the building in Grace Hill."

At the weekend, dozens gathered outside the Grade-II listed site to protest the closures with residents pleading with KCC to rethink.

Emily Ghassempour said: "50% of children in the ward where the library is situated live in poverty.

"It's one of the last warm, free spaces available in the town. It's an utter disgrace."

Cllr Connor McConville, leader of the Labour group on Folkestone and Hythe District Council, hit out at the decision being made "without any meaningful consultation".

He added: "KCC should be engaging with partners to try and find an immediate alternative site within the town centre to offer library services, rather than continuing to expect local residents to travel to other parts of the district."

A KCC spokesman said: "We can confirm that we are aware of the Libraries Improvement Fund and are in discussions with the Arts Council about the possibility of submitting a bid."

No further details about the council's plan for the building if funding is not secured have been revealed.