Ingol library

Residents in Ingol are taking pre-emptive action to stop any closure of their local library.

A petition has been set up on the Lancashire County Council website warning councillors not to consider cutting back the ‘much needed resource’.

The epetition is already gathering signatures and states: “We the undersigned petition the county council to consider carefully the need and support that this Library gives to the members of the Ingol ward and surrounding areas.

“Many residents may not have access to books, internet and social clubs without this much needed social entreprise. This Library is well supported by our residents young and old alike. Please do not close this much needed resource.”

The county council has hinted financial pressures may force it to close or change the opening hours of many libraries across the county.

It needs to find more than £200m to plug an ever-growing black hole in its finances as central government budget reductions increase.

Related: Tougher late book fines as county council increases library charges

Ingol councillor Neil Darby said they were not aware of who had started the petition but he welcomed it.

He said: “The situation is that with the cuts to the county council, there will be library closures – however there has not been any announcement of where these will fall yet.

“From our point of view as councillors in the ward, we are already starting to work to ensure that Ingol Library remains open – I’m glad that we aren’t the only ones preparing to fight for our local library.”

A spokeswoman for county councillor Bill Winlow, who has Ingol within his ward, said: “Libraries in Lancashire are likely to be closed due to cuts in Lancashire County Council’s budget made by the government.

“Consultations are taking place but at the moment no decisions have been made as to which libraries will be affected. In the meantime we encourage people to support the petition.”

The petition runs until Tuesday 9 February on the county council website.

You can take part in the Lancashire Libraries consultation by visiting the county council website.

Will you be signing the petition? Do you live in Ingol? Let us know in the comments below