DESPAIR has turned to hope for Ashburton as it looks forward to safeguarding the future of both its struggling post office and closure-threatened library in one joint venture.

The town has turned around its bleak outlook by finding the cash to house both concerns under one roof – and with funding nearly in place the dynamic partnership could be up and running in the next few months, subject to planning permission.

It emerged this week that local quarry operators Glendinning – the town's largest employers – have promised 'substantial financial and physical support' to clinch the ambitious union and make it a reality.