Library campaigners outside the High Court at a previous hearing

Crusaders vow to carry on the fight to save six libraries

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Campaigners battling to save six libraries in Brent from closure have been refused permission to appeal after they lost a High Court case this morning (Thursday).

The ruling is a double blow after Mr Justice Ouseley dismissed a judicial review launched by the crusaders seeking to overturn Brent Council’s decision to close half of its libraries.

However, campaigners are now set to appeal against the judge’s decision to refuse them permission to appeal.

Library supporters have been fighting to save libraries in Barham Park, Cricklewood, Kensal Rise, Neasden, Preston and Tokyngton which are faxing the chop to save the council £1million.

The controversial plans were given the green light despite 80 per cent of people who took part in a consultation process being against the closures.

In a battle to halt the plans campaigners formed a group called Brent Libraries SOS and took the case to the Royal Courts of Justice in July and the judge reserved judgement until today.

Speaking to the Times, Margaret Bailey from Brent Libraries SOS said: “We are obviously disappointed with the decision given by the judge today.

“We are determined to appeal if allowed to do so.

“We believe that there are important points of principle at stake which an appeal court will decide differently.

“Our campaign will redouble its efforts to expose the senselessness of Brent Council’s decision to close half of its libraries.

“We strongly believe and continue to believe that Brent Council’s decision is wrong.”