LIBRARIES could be turned into homes, offices or shops if they are closed down, the Echo can reveal.

A previously unseen report, compiled by officers at Southend Council, said Thorpedene and Friars libraries in Shoebury, which senior Southend councillors are expected to vote to close on Tuesday, could be redeveloped as housing.

The report, put together during the 15-month review of the service, describes Thorpedene library, clinic and community centre and the next door Delaware House care home, as a “prime residential site”.

It also states if 24 houses were built on the site, at the corner of Delaware Road and Maplin Way, it could net the council £1.25million.

Anne Chalk, Independent councillor for Shoebury, fears the area could not cope with more houses. She said: “The council is trying to take land in Shoebury to develop as houses. We have seen what’s happening at the Garrison.

“It’s putting a lot of pressure on infrastructure.”