CAMPAIGNERS have vowed to continue the fight to keep Preston Library open and joined together with other members attempting to save five other libraries in the borough.

Council leader, Councillor Ann John, was shouted down by supporters of the group Keep Preston Library open campaign with calls of “shame on you” and “completely out of touch” at the meeting on Wednesday, April 13.

The group was presenting a petition to Brent Council following the decision to close Preston Library, in Carlton Avenue East, Wembley, along with five other libraries in the borough.

The decision was taken on Monday, April 11, at an executive meeting. The group collected 6,500 signatures and under the council’s policy if it receives more than 5,000 signatures then the matter is referred to a meeting for debate.

Councillor John said at the meeting: “Tonight’s meeting can not change the decision on Monday. I accept you are very passionate about the library. We have library buildings which aren’t fit for purpose.”

Lead member for environment, planning and culture, Councillor James Powney said: "There are more things to consider than just what people said in the consultation. We are designing a library service supposed to promote libraries to the whole population, and we also have to take into account people who don't currently use the library service."

The group has now joined with Brent SOS (Save Our Six) Libraries, which is an umbrella group for supporters who wish to keep the borough’s libraries open.

This week petition organiser Samantha Warrington for the Preston Library campaign said: “The matter will be discussed at the scrutiny committee meeting on April 27 and we hope to keep going with the campaign.

“This has raised a lot of questions about consultating the public and the meeting showed people are very passionate.”

To join the campaign log on to Facebook and search for Save Preston Library.