Bexley’s libraries will get a brand-new look thanks to a £4m investment in the service.

But while it is good news for most people, places like Barnehurst and Blackfen could lose out. Barnehurst could be left without a library while there are plans to move Blackfen Library into the shopping centre.

Consultation will take place over the summer on ideas to refurbish and revitalise the borough’s libraries, before a finalised programme of work begins.

Proposals include the possible closure of Barnehurst Library, which the council says suffers from permanent damp and other problems which would cost up to £85,000 to put right.

The alternative is for people to use Crayford or Northumberland Heath libraries which are less than a mile away, with more mobile library visits to the area for those who find it difficult to travel.

Another potential controversy is the suggestion to move Erith Library out of its listed Carnegie building and into the town centre. Council leader Councillor Chris Ball promised the existing library would stay in public use and could be used to expand the museum.

Blackfen Library, in Cedar Road, has vandalism problems because it backs onto a park.

The council wants to bring it into the shopping centre. One site being talked about is the former garage next to the public toilets, which could provide a much-needed car park as well.

A huge expansion of the Central Library, in Bexleyheath, is planned, with £1.2m to be spent on adding 300sq m of floor space by converting a large under-used garage at the back of the library.

It is also hoped to bid for Heritage Lottery Fund cash and add a roof extension to expand the Local Studies and Archive Centre.

It is hoped Crayford will get a new library as part of the planned regeneration of the town. It would become part of a complex of new buildings for community use.

The plans include expanding Northumberland Heath’s Library to double the space, move Belvedere Library into Nuxley Road and refurbishing Welling, Sidcup and Bostall libraries.

It is hoped eventually to move Thamesmead Library to a new development at Tavy Bridge, while Bexley Village Library, which has no scope for expansion, will get continued support to improve its services.

The plans also include expanding the mobile library service with two extra vehicles, one devoted exclusively to schools, and a big investment in new books, CDs, videos and DVDs.

“We would also consider more staff and more flexible and creative opening hours,” said Cllr Ball. “This is all about boosting the popularity of our libraries and making them more available to people.”