Campaigners hoping to keep libraries open are urging volunteers to get in touch with their ideas.

Harrow Council voted on Thursday, March 19 to close four libraries across the borough, including Bob Lawrence, Hatch End, Rayners Lane and North Harrow libraries, as part of £500,000 of cuts to library services.

However the council has also said it is willing consider proposals for a community-run libraries, and the North Harrow Community Partnership is hoping to achieve this.

Harrow Times:

Kamal Shah, chairman of North Harrow Community Partnership, said there has been great support for keeping North Harrow library open.

The campaigners now hope to develop a comprehensive business plan with the help of volunteers, and welcome any suggestions to help guarantee the future of the library.

North Harrow library campaigner Garry Davine said: “We have to secure sufficient funding, which will be a challenge, but it is vital that the library is kept open and we will do everything possible to ensure this.”

The Campaign for Bob Lawrence Library is also hoping to take the council up on its offer of support.

Harrow Times:

Campaigners have now agreed to form a Friends of Bob Lawrence Library group and are planning to exercise their rights under the Localism Act and the Social Value Act to keep the library open.

Farah Sadiq said: “We fully intend to take up the council's offer and will be exploring all possible options to keep library services open not just for the Bob Lawrence library but across all four libraries that are threatened with closure.

“In view of the short time scale before us, we are inviting campaigners from the other library campaigns to take a seat on our trustee board.

“We have yet to set a date to meet with council given time is of the essence and intend to be proactive in our approach. It's full steam ahead on our side.”

To find out more about becoming a trustee member or giving your ideas on the future of the libraries, contact reporter Victoria Oliphant at victoria.oliphant@london.newsquest.co.uk