GLORIA Chapman, the leader of Devizes Singers, has expressed disappointment at the closure of the music and drama studio in Devizes Library.

The studio, based upstairs, no longer stocks items on general display although there has been no reduction in the stock.

Mrs Chapman, of Queens Road, Devizes, said: "It was a superb section. The majority of it was sheet music and books.

"I liked to browse to get new ideas for our concerts but now it is not on general perusal.

"I have to ring up for a particular piece I want and the staff find it for me."

Mrs Chapman thought the closure of the studio was at odds with Wiltshire County Council's announcement that it has signed up a national music agenda.

The pledge involves raising the standard of music teaching and to make music more accessible to all young people.

Devizes Library underwent a £220,000 refurbishment during the summer.

This included installing an Internet caf and self service computers for checking out books.

Joan Davis, head of customer services at Wiltshire County Council, said: "The performing arts service of the county is based at Devizes Library.

"There have been no changes in the number of items held in the collection and people and groups continue to be able to borrow any item that is held there.

"People are welcome to view the collection of individual scores.

"However, this is in a staff controlled area and for security reasons they will need to make an appointment."