LIBRARY managers have reassured classical music buffs that Worcester City Library's music service is safe after a storm of protest over its apparent removal.

Users were up in arms at what they thought was the scrapping of the service, but managers have confirmed the temporary removal of some CDs and other items was purely to make room while new internet terminals were installed as part of the Government's People's Network initiative.

"It seems there is a little misinformation circulating," said Cathy Evans, library services manager for Worcestershire County Council.

"There has been no change to the music library. It has been necessary to move items into the basement temporarily at the Worcester City Library because of space limitations but our intention is to return items to open shelves if possible.

"Installing the People's Network of internet terminals has caused the re-arrangement of stock."

She said rumours that the music library specialist was going to go were also unfounded.

"There has been no change to the staffing of the music service and professional librarian time will still be dedicated to it.

"Our recent Best Value inspection was very positive and we have no intention of taking any steps back.

"We are currently working to improve the service further, for example, by boosting access to the music library for schools."

People from all over the county wrote to the Evening News, shocked at what they thought was the removal of the music service.

John Wagstaff, from Kidderminster, is the music faculty librarian at Oxford University and was one of those concerned at the apparent development.

"I'm delighted about it and I hope Worcester's music service will continue to go from strength to strength in the future," he said on finding out the service would stay.

"It's a wonderful library. For a city of Worcester's size it has a good collection of music - but, of course, Worcester has a strong musical tradition."