PEOPLE power has stopped the book being closed on Britain's smallest library.

Thanks to community-minded volunteers, Ainsworth Library has escaped the axe.

The library, which stocks just 2,000 books, was condemned to closure last year when Bury Council needed to make multi-million pound cuts.

But members of the Ainsworth Community Association came up with an eleventh-hour solution and asked to be trained so they could run the library themselves.

"It's a real labour of love," said volunteer Mr Ian Hopkins, the library team leader.

"There is no doubt the service is very much appreciated locally; in fact, I don't think I've ever heard as many people say thank-you in such a short period of time."

He added: "Although the library opens on only two afternoons a week it provides a much-needed local service, particularly to the many elderly users who are not really up to travelling to the alternatives in Bury or Radcliffe."

A dozen volunteers man the library between 3pm and 7pm each Monday and Friday. Since they took over new members have been signing up to use the library.

Radcliffe North councillor Barry Briggs, who supported the campaign to keep the library open, said: "There is a strong sense of community in Ainsworth and that is very much reflected in what has happened.

"Libraries are built around their communities and it is always sad to see any of them disappear. I am just glad that, with the support of the council, we have been able to retain this one."

The chairman of the council's leisure services committee, Councillor David Willis, paid tribute to the fighting spirit of villagers.

"We had to take some painful decisions last year which included the closure of several branch libraries. Ainsworth was among those listed to go but local people showed a determination to keep it open that we could not and would not ignore."

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