LABOUR-RUN Croydon Council is set to take back control of the borough’s libraries and is “determined to protect” the service following the collapse of privateer Carillion.

The 13 libraries have been run by the firm since 2012, when the then Conservative-led council controversially decided to outsource the service.

Councillor Timothy Godfrey, cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport, said the council would be terminating the contract with the firm and reassured the 73 workers that it would be “picking up the mess left by this private company and will be working behind the scenes to ensure all libraries remain open.