A CAMPAIGN has been launched to safeguard the future of a suburban Burnley library – amid claims by users that it represents a vital lifeline for the local community.

Residents and councillors have united to lobby to save Rosegrove Library, one of at least 10 in Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale earmarked for the axe by Lancashire County Council, as part of plans to save £262 million.

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Former council leader Cllr Charlie Briggs, Labour cabinet member Cllr Bea Foster, Mayor of Burnley Cllr Jeff Sumner and former MP Gordon Birtwistle are among those supporting the drivetrying to overturn the county’s recommendation.

Cllr Neil Mottershead, who represents the nearby Gannow ward, said: “Rosegrove Library is a friendly welcoming place that is a haven for children, job seekers, the elderly and isolated people. It is the only public centre in the area and is the heart of the community.”

Resident Cis O’Boyle said: “It’s terrible that most people don’t know the library is proposed to close. One day very soon it simply won’t be here and people won’t know that they could have done something to save it, it will be too late.”

And some residents have become frustrated at the methods of public consultation regarding the libraries and community centres currently under threat. Another Campaigner Maggie Smith said: “The form is buried on the council website and very difficult to find, there are supposed to be paper forms to complete but we haven’t seen those yet. It’s difficult for those who are less confident with a computer to complete.”

A Lancashire County Council spokesman said: “Over the next five years the council needs to make savings of £262 million on top of those agreed in previous budgets, an unprecedented financial challenge due to continued cuts in Government funding, rising costs and increasing demand for key services.”

The consultation on local services and the potential neighbourhood hubs to house a number of offerings, continues until mid-August and officials say forms should be available from county buildings.

Other threatened libraries locally which may close as part of the exercise include those at Brierfield, Bacup, Briercliffe, Burnley Campus, Pike Hill, Barrowford, Earby, Trawden, Crawshawbooth and Whitworth.