RAMSGATE Library will be rebuilt on the site of the original building that burnt down just two months ago.

Campaigners have been fighting to keep the library on site after numerous rumours spread claiming the site would be taken over by property developers or that Kent County Council has lost control and the Government would be taking over managing and deciding its future.

County councillor for Ramsgate South, John Kirby, revealed he was happy to allay fears that Ramsgate would loose the century-old library on the day the original building celebrated its 100th birthday.

Cllr Kirby said: “We have been fighting from the day of the fire to make sure the new library was built on the same site and I am delighted to confirm that it now definitely will be.”

The façade of the building somehow managed to survive the blaze that saw fire fighters spending more than 24 hours battling to bring it under control and damp down the smouldering embers of the historic property.

Cllr Kirby said it will be saved and used as the front of the new building. “I am so pleased this has survived,” he stressed.

“From the outside you could almost be forgiven for thinking that not much damage was done but once you look inside you really see the extent of the damage.

“We have been asking residents and groups what they want to see in the new building and although this blaze was devastating it will at least allow us to bring the building up to modern standards,” he said.