ANGRY residents of West Kilbride have staged a protest in a bid to stop their library closing.

A crowd of library users joined forces to demonstrate against the proposed closure last week.

The protest comes after North Ayrshire Council revealed that community centres and libraries are all under threat – with possible mergers, relocations and community asset transfers to be considered.

Under the proposals some libraries could relocate or under go a review opening hours and relying on further volunteer support.

Protester Priscilla Thorburn said she will fight “tooth and nail” to keep the library.

She said: “They should not be closing this library. it is very well used and our community needs it.

“I personally am here at least twice a week. It would be a great loss for us if it were to go.

“We won’t just accept it if they decide to close it. We will fight tooth and nail to keep it. We need as many people as possible to get on board with us and help save our library.”

The Review of Libraries and Community Centres was approved by Cabinet in January, after it previously agreed to set up a working group with North Ayrshire Federation of Community Organisations (NAFCO) to develop plans ahead of removing any funding after an amendment by SNP councillors at the 2018 budget.

A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “The Council is currently consulting on a proposed relocation of West Kilbride Library. We would encourage as many people as possible to come along to the remaining consultation sessions into the future delivery of community facilities.

“These discussions have been invaluable and are giving people across North Ayrshire the chance to shape how these services will look in the years to come. As a result of these sessions, North Ayrshire communities, including West Kilbride, have been able to discuss their options for delivering services from shared facilities and their ideas for the buildings which would be released for new users.

“We appreciate the strength of feeling shown by those who hold the facilities in such high regard and that’s why it’s important they take the opportunity to make their voice heard during the consultation.

“We would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has attended the consultation sessions so far. People can still contribute by visiting www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/yourvoiceyourview”