Crusaders have been battling to save six branches from closure

Library campaigners have lost their High Court appeal against a ruling that paved the way for Brent Council to close half the borough’s libraries.

In a blow to crusaders, the Court of Appeal has rejected their bid to overturn an earlier ruling which backed the council’s decision to axe six branches.

Campaigners have been battling to save Barham Park, Cricklewood, Kensal Rise, Neasden, Preston and Tokyngton libraries since the council announced they faced the chop in a �1m cost-cutting measure.

Undeterred, they set up an umbrella group aptly named Brent Libraries SOS and took a precedent case to the Royal Courts of Justice in July where they argued the consultation was flawed.

After this was thrown out they lodged an appeal against the decision but today this also failed.