Crusaders have raised £10,000 in just nine months

Brent & Kilburn Times: Barham Library was axed in 1011 by Brent CouncilBarham Library was axed in 1011 by Brent Council (Image: Archant)

Determined campaigners battling to reprieve Barham Library after it was closed by the council have reached a step closer to their goal after raising £10,000.

Friends of Barham Library (FOBL) can now make a bid to take over the building of the former library after achieving their target in just nine months.

The five-figure sum will be used to pay the rent and utilities for the building provided their bid is accepted by Brent Council.

Cllr Paul Lorber, leader of Brent Lib Dems and member of FOBL, said: “Letting local people to run their community library will at long last show that Brent Council can be trusted in using the gift of buildings properly and that it recognises the positive contribution that local people can making in serving their local community.”

Barham Library was closed by the council in 2011 as part of a £1million cost-cutting exercise.

Branches in Neasden, Kensal Rise, Tokyngton, Cricklewood and Preston libraries were also axed.

FOBL was formed following the closures and members have thrown themselves into a plethora of fundraising activities and even opened their own community library in Wembley.

The High Road branch is run by volunteers and has built up a collection of more than 6,000 books donated by the community and bookshelves which were given free from IKEA.

Francis Henry from Daniels Estate Agency and FOBL volunteer, said: “Friends of Barham Library have been working ever since to provide the people of Wembley with a much needed library service.

“We are ready and willing to reopen the Library in the Barham Park using local volunteers and pay for it from our fundraising effort.”

Brent Council are due to make a decision about FOBL taking over the building on February 13.