The double fronted shop has remained empty since Woolworths became one of the first victims of the recession, closing in January with the loss of local jobs.

Now East Sussex County Council is set to make a decision on Monday.
A county council spokesperson said: "A plan for a new library in Rye will go to our meeting on Monday.

"The proposal is to submit a planning application for a change of use for 29/30 High Street, Rye for a new Library for the Town.

"Detailed costs are still being evaluated but the council is confident it can provide the necessary funds for the refurbishment works from existing budgets.

If the plans are agreed, Rye would have a brand new, modern Library in a much larger building, situated in a popular and busy area of the Town with good access.

"Subject to planning, the council hopes that Rye will have the new facility by next year."

The move has been welcomed by the Friends of Rye Library who said: "The choice of the Woolworths site as an immediate answer to Rye's Library difficulties is sensible in the short term. "We need a quick solution to one of Rye's most intractable problems.

"Moreover derelict shops in the centre of Rye are a very poor advertisement for our commercial well being."