CAMPAIGNERS are fighting to safeguard under-threat East Lancashire libraries.

Bosses at County Hall have revealed 17 were at risk of imminent closure as the axe is poised over more than 50 libraries, community bases and children’s centres.

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Lancashire County Council is looking to save £200million by 2021 and has launched a public consultation exercise.

Library supporters have already begun to organise petitions and started lobbying, in a bid to overturn the decision or suggest alternative provisions across a number of town and villages.

Seventeen libraries including Briercliffe, Burnley Campus, Pike Hill, Rosegrove, Clayton-le-Moors, Oswaldtwistle, Rishton, Barrowford, Brierfield, Earby, Trawden, Chatburn, Read, Whalley, Bacup, Crawshawbooth and Whitworth could go.

One petition to protect Whalley Library and Spring Wood Children’s Centre, set up by Wiswell resident Neil Martin, has amassed around 500 signatures to date.

Mr Martin said: “The library is one of the vital and active hubs of the community of Whalley and its surrounding villages.

“A community asset, not just a place to hold books, it's a venue for the villagers to meet, retreat and learn.”

Ribble Valley councillor Ged Mirfin said: "’s wife’s grandmother, 93-year-old Jenny Crutchley, regularly uses Whalley Library.

He said: “Whalley Library is an invaluable community hub which is near to the primary school and sheltered housing.

“People walk down together from Riddings Lane together."

Meanwhile Liberal Democrats in Pendle have announced they will be battling to prevent the loss of Trawden, Earby and Barrowford libraries.

A reduced service is also said to be in prospect at Brierfield as part of the authority’s property strategy review.

Cllr David Whipp said: “The proposal to keep open Barnoldswick, Colne and Nelson libraries is welcome and some kind of service is proposed for Brierfield. But just closing down the libraries in Trawden, Earby and Barrowford is not acceptable.”

He is hopeful all three affected could be saved, possibly involving the use of volunteers.

Cllr Tony Greaves, deputy leader of Pendle Council, added: “We understand that the county council has to cut a lot of money out of their budgets. But our concern is for services for local people in Pendle.”

The Whalley petition can be accessed via the change.org website.