A CAMPAIGN to save a village library is gathering pace as residents battle to keep the “vital” resource.


A petition launched to save Bagillt Library has been given the backing of villagers who have added more than 500 signatures to the fight to save the part-time library.
 

Community leaders are also calling on Flintshire Council to look at an alternative site if they decide to close the library.


Bagillt councillor Mike Reece said villagers would be forced to travel to Holywell or Flint to access computers or loan books.


He said: “Everybody is telling us to fight to keep it open and we are. All of the people in Bagillt that have spoken to me about the library have told me it needs to be kept open.


“There used to be lots of shops in the village and you could get anything you needed.


“Now people are forced to go out of the village to do their shopping. When I was younger there were 28 shops. If the library goes it could be the end of the village.
“The library provides vital links between the villagers and the community.”


Libraries are facing the axe in the coming months as Flintshire Council looks to cut services to help make £10m savings in next year’s budget.


Petitions have also been started to save Queensferry, Garden City and Halkyn libraries as angry residents make their feelings known.


Beechcroft House, a community facility for Bagillt, has been put forward as an alternative site which could cost less to run.


Cllr Reece said: “If Bagillt library has to go then we have asked the council to consider Beechcroft House.

"The building is the base for a playgroup in the mornings and bingo on some nights.


“It would save money and make more sense to heat one building The library could still be there part time.”


Council bosses have said they are looking at suggestions from members of the community and will provide a full response in the near future.