A CAMPAIGN to save Flintshire’s first library has been supported by hundreds villagers.

Halkyn Library is one of five under threat of closure as Flintshire Council looks to cut services to help make £10m savings in next year’s budget.

On Monday Halkyn Community Council discussed the closure with members acknowledging the present economic situation of cuts and savings but they said closure would have an “out of proportion” effect on the community in relation to potential savings.

Community councillor Bob Robinson has collected more than 200 signatures for the petition set to be handed in to Flintshire Council.

He said: “We totally accept savings must still be made but the annual running cost of this library is only £6,700. The building is rented at a peppercorn rent that includes all overheads, heating, lighting and cleaning.

“The librarian works for only two half days a week and there is the cost of the books. Not a great deal in the grand scheme of things but, obviously, as part of a long list of similar sums it all adds up for the council.”

Cllr Robinson said villagers feel “very strongly” about the closure.

The community council is looking to form a partnership with Flintshire Council in an attempt to save the library.

Halkyn Community Council clerk Phillip Parry said: “We are in the process of writing to Flintshire libraries department indicating that we wish to discuss this in more detail before any final decision is reached.”

Cllr Robinson said Halkyn was the first library opened in Flintshire and was stocked with books by public subscription.

He said: “We have to be practical, but as we watch our scant facilities being taken away one by one, the cost of our unavoidable use of private vehicles is rising hand over fist and. It must be time to make a stand for rural dwellers.”

Anyone who wishes to sign the petition can do so at Halkyn Post Office.