Process begins to empty one of the six closed branches

Brent Council have begun the process of stripping bare one of the six library branches that were closed for good last week.

Despite protests from angry campaigners, workers have started emptying the contents of Cricklewood Library in Olive Road, this morning (Tuesday).

Last week, Cricklewood, Braham Park, Tokyngton, Kensal Rise, Preston and Neasden libraries were closed with immediate effect after a High Court judge ruled in favour of the council’s decision to close all six.

Campaigners had sought a judicial review to overturn the controversial proposals which will save the council �1million.

Cllr Paul Lorber, leader of Brent’s Liberal Democrats, has accused the council of vandalising the six libraries which equates to half the branches in the borough.

He added: “It’s an appalling shame.”

The building housing Cricklewood and Kensal Rise Library are owned by All Souls College in Oxford.

Both have covenants that they must be used as a library only therefore the council will be forced to hand the buildings back to the college.

Cllr Lorber has slammed the council for choosing to do so rather than listen to requests for the community to take over the running of both branches.

He said: “The people in Cricklewood deserve better and they have shown a willingness to run their own community library.

“The council should hand over the keys and let them do so.”

Yesterday (Monday), campaigners prevented the council from stripping Preston Library in Carlton Avenue East, Wembley.

Over in Kensal Rise Library in Bathurst Garden, Kensal Rise, campaigners are holding an around the clock vigil outside to prevent the building from being boarded up.