CAMPAIGNERS from Sible Hedingham joined other closure threaened libraries from across

Essex at a mass protest in Chelmsford on Saturday.

Chants of “No ifs, no buts, no Essex library cuts” were heard in the city centre as about 400 people carrying placards marched through the streets in a bid to save their community libraries.

Rosalind Scott flew the flag for Sible Hedingham at the protest.

She said: “I believe in universal literacy, and that is what the library service provides us.

“I also believe the libraries are the heart of our community and these cuts are a ridiculous waste of

services.

“We have a wonderful professional service and that requires us all to save it from the oldest to youngest part of society.”

The crowds included young families and residents in their 80s walking side by side as they called for

Essex County Council to reconsider its plans.

A number of demonstrators who took part in a protest at Sible Hedingham Library in the morning also

went on to attend the Chelmsford march.

Shan Newhouse, who organised the protest at Sible Hedingham, was among those at the rally.

She said: “It was really good there were some really good placards.

It was a heartening couple of demonstrations.”

Andrew Coburn, a former librarian and spokesman for SOLE – Save Our Libraries Essex – was pleased with the turn-out in Chelmsford.

He said: “It went very well, it was colourful and there were all ages and all parts of the county represented.”