LIBRARIES in Neath, Port Talbot and the Swansea Valley are getting better.

They have achieved 9 out of the 14 standards imposed by the Welsh Government.

This is one more than the previous year.

Neath Port Talbot Council library service was found to have partially achieved three further standards.

The two it failed related to staffing and stock.

Head of partnership and community development Russell Ward said the council spent £202,000 on stock, £47,000 less than required, though it had made small but significant increases to its book fund.

Mr Ward said the authority was also taking action to address the matter of staffing.