CAMPAIGNERS fighting to block the closure of Highbridge Library are determined their voice will be heard after a protest.

Highbridge residents and members of campaign group, Save Highbridge Library, held up signs and chanted outside the library yesterday (February 15) in an effort to halt its closure. 

The protest comes after Somerset County Council recently announced plans for the library to be run by a community partnership or to be replaced by a mobile service.

After the protest members of the campaign group met at the Moorland Community Hall to discuss the next steps in their campaign. 

Dave Chapple, secretary of Bridgwater Trades Union Council, who chaired the meeting, said: "Members of all three main political parties, local councillors, trade unionists and Highbridge and Burnham community activitists came to the meeting. 

"A new banner was received and will go on show next week when the campaign will be supporting the anti-cuts lobby of the full Somerset County Council budget meeting."

Mr Chapple said in the next few weeks the group will be putting forward a petition calling for the library to stay open.

"Over the next few weeks we plan to finalise the wording for a public petition calling for the library to remain with at least its current hours and the retention of trained library staff. 

"We are also considering doing a door to door survey to provide evidence of a community desire for improved use of the library should extra library facilities and opening hours be made available."

The group also has plans to have a 'Save Highbridge Library' stall at local supermarkets to spread their message and is planning to hold a number of fundraising activities to fund their campaign. 

The campaign group will be supporting the the anti-cuts lobby of the full Somerset County Council budget meeting at Shire Hall in Taunton on Wednesday February 21.

Mr Chapple is registered to speak at the meeting and will make a case to keep the library open.