More than 30 people camped outside branch overnight

Campaigners have vowed to continue an around-the-clock vigil outside Kensal Rise library until they have lodged an appeal against a High Court decision backing its closure.

Dedicated supporters have camped outside the branch, in Bathurst Gardens, since Thursday to prevent it from being boarded up by Brent Council.

Last night (Friday) around 30 people slept outside the branch with residents bringing them food and hot drinks throughout the night.

The library, which was opened by author Mark Twain in 1900, is one of six across the borough that have been closed to save �1million.

Campaigners had tried to stop the closure of Kensal Rise, Cricklewood, Barham Park, Tokyngton, Preston and Neasden libraries by taking the case to the Royal Courts of Justice.

However a judge threw out the case and the branches were closed immediately.

Within hours of the ruling Brent Council had boarded up Preston and Cricklewood library.

However, plans to board up Kensal Rise have been thwarted by campaigners camping outside the branch.

Supports have also set up their own library outside where people have been donating and borrowing books.

Margaret Bailey from Brent Libraries SOS told the Times that they will carry on with the vigil until they have lodged an appeal on Tuesday against the High Court decision.

She said: “It’s incredible.

“The community spirit shown proves how much people care about the library. People are very passionate about this and there is no doubt about their feelings.

“Its absolute brilliant, People have been bringing tea, coffee and food.

“Residents are allowing people to use their toilets and we have no shortage of volunteers.

“Someone even set their alarm so they could bring out hot drinks at 3am.

“We’ve had people coming to show their support from all over and outside of the borough.

“The spirit shown is like the blitz.”