As Pewsey’s new library takes shape, Wiltshire Council’s deputy leader John Thomson said it spoke volumes of the authority’s bid to provide better community facilities, even during times of restrained spending.

The new library took a giant leap forward last week with the building of its wooden framework in a matter of days over the foundations that had taken months to prepare.

On Thursday Coun Thomson carried out a traditional topping-out ceremony when he pinned a branch from a fir tree to the rafters. This is a Scandinavian custom to appease the tree gods and let them know that for every tree cut down for buildings more are planted.

The old library, which stood on the same site behind the Bouverie Hall, was a much smaller, ageing mobile building. The new eco- library has been designed by architect Paul Stevens to be as carbon-neutral as possible with high insulation values.

The slate roof will have photo-voltaic tiles to run the building’s lighting and heating. “This building is as green as we could make it and will have very low running costs,” said Mr Stevens.

Coun Thomson, who is Wiltshire Council’s Cabinet portfolio holder for libraries, said he had asked for the original plans for the building to be enlarged to include not only the library, but also offices where council officers could provide an outreach service and also what he called a “personal care facility” – changing rooms for the handicapped.

The library should be completed later this year.