Sign up, sign up to rescue our library

Campaigners have just 24 hours left to drum up support before they submit a petition to County Hall urging a re-think over the library in Garstang Road, Fulwood.

Already more than 3,500 people have signed the document opposing the building’s closure and organisers are hoping to top 4,000 before it is handed over to county officials on Thursday.

“We are appealing to anyone who hasn’t signed it and wants the library to stay open to do so before Wednesday lunchtime,” said Jane Porter. “The fact that so many have added their names so far shows the strength of support there is for this library.

“I find it astonishing that it is earmarked for closure when, apparently, it is the second most used library in the county behind the Harris in Preston.”

A county council consultation exercise into plans to close more than 100 of its buildings to meet Government budget cuts began in May and ends on Sunday. A final decision will be taken on September 8.

Fulwood Library was built in 1939 and Jane says figures show it had around 48,000 visitors in the last year. It is one of only two LCC buildings earmarked for closure in the city - Preston East Children’s Centre in Watling Street Road, Fulwood is the other.

But 21 other premises across Preston have all been recommended to remain open, including Sharoe Green Library, Ribbleton Library and Ingol Library.

“I’m delighted with the support this has received from the people of Fulwood and, judging by the numbers who have signed already, I think it sends a clear message to the county council.”

The petition can be found at various places in Fulwood including Broadway Pharmacy and Gibson’s News.