A NEW petition to fight to reverse proposals to close library, youth and elderly services across East Lancashire has been launched.

Councillors have backed the new campaign which comes after Lancashire County Council announced on Friday which services would be axed.

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Cllr Albert Atkinson, who represents part of the Ribble Valley at County hall, said he believes the potential cuts will affect the “most vulnerable” in the society.

He has also said that the Conservatives have came up with an alternative solution to the problem.

Cllr Atkinson said: “The Conservative Group has an alternative proposal which would enable all of these facilities to remain open.

“These issues will be debated at an LCC Scrutiny meeting on September 6 at 2pm.”

The petition will be distributed county wide by all Conservative county councillors and physical copies will also be placed in the library in Whalley, Clitheroe and Longridge as well as the Youth Centre in Berry Lane, Longridge.

County Councillor for Longridge Cllr David Smith has said that Conservative councillors will not be swayed in their beliefs.

Cllr Smith said: “The Conservative group of councillors have agreed on a call in procedure whereby we can force the Labour cabinet to reconsider its plans and I personally am not giving in over decisions on closures.”

The calls come after Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans criticised the council for the planned closures of more than 20 libraries and 100 buildings.

The Ribble Valley faces the closure of Whalley Read and Chatburn Libraries, Slaidburn Childrens Centre,and Springwood Children’s Centre, Whalley.

Additionally Ribblesdale Children’s Centre in Clitheroe will lose its funding.

The council has previously said that it’s doing all it can to provide services while trying to find ‘significant’ savings in the budget.

Mr Evans said: “I am appalled and disheartened that Lancashire County Council is playing political games with the people of Lancashire.

“LCC have decided to deprive residents of critical services, which they themselves are paying for through council tax.

“I believe that money should be given to local councils, so they can provide the services that people need.”