The fight to save a Chorley library was stepped up this week when a 450-name petition was handed in at county hall.

Lancashire County Council's cabinet has recommended the closure of nine libraries, including Eaves Lane, Chorley, as part of proposals to limit any increase in council tax to no more than 4.9 per cent.

This week Chris Cheetham, cabinet member for adult and community services, received the petition from County Councillor Don Yates who represents Chorley East.

County Coun Yates who originally campaigned for the library to be opened in the 1960s, said: "I'm glad that people appreciate the library enough to petition against its closure which is clear from the 450 or more signatures that have been received."

County Coun Cheetham said: "If we don't make savings by closing these libraries we would have to find another way, which I'm sure people would find even more unacceptable.

"There will be a period of consultation before the libraries close to give district and parish councils the opportunity to present proposals for alternative uses of the library sites or other ways to finance them.

"As with all the libraries proposed for closure, Eaves Lane has another, better facility nearby.

"If there was a realistic option to avoid closing these libraries I would consider it but the simple fact is that significant savings will have to be made in the budget."

Meanwhile County Councillor Mark Perks, of Chorley North Ward, is also fighting the plans and intends to raise it at the council's community panel today with a view to getting Chorley Borough's executive to make some response on behalf of the local community.