RESIDENTS fighting to save six libraries in Brent were helped by a children’s author to raise money for their campaign.

Brent SOS (Save Our Six) Libraries are campaigning to save libraries including Preston, Barham Park, Cricklewood, Kensal Rise, Neasden, and Tokyngton.

Brent council leader, Councillor Ann John, was shouted down by supporters of the group Keep Preston Library open campaign, now part of the Brent SOS Libraries group, with calls of “shame on you” and “completely out of touch” at a meeting in April.

The group presented 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.

On Sunday, members of Brent SOS Libraries attended Sudbury Court Residents Association Family Fun Day to highlight the issue.

BBC scriptwriter Elly Brewer, lead writer on BAFTA award-winning children’s television programme Tracy Beaker Returns, contributed and autographed 17 copies of her book.

Along with other donations nearly £400 was raised towards the cost of a legal challenge to be taken up against Brent Council on the closure of the libraries.

Library user Gaynor Lloyd said: “I can not think of anything that makes me more angry. I can not believe that a Labour administration would choose to cut libraries – one service that can even out equality of life chances and good health by giving access to a lifelong love of reading.”

Liberal Democrat group leader, Councillor Paul Lorber, who helped with the stall has called on Jeremy Hunt, secretary of state responsible for libraries, to initiate a public inquiry into the council's conduct and the future of the library service in Brent.

He said: "There are hundreds of local people across Brent who are willing to help raise funds and support all twelve libraries in Brent.

“It is a disgrace that the council refuses to listen to their views and instead uses taxpayers’ money on expensive lawyers to justify the closure of six popular community libraries across Brent."