CHILDREN will make their voices heard over plans to close libraries across the county.

A Young People’s March for Libraries is being held in Colchester’s town centre, in protest against Essex County Council’s proposal to close a third of libraries in the next five years.

Children will march through the town centre in opposition to plans which could affect libraries in Prettygate, Stanway, Wivenhoe, Mersea and Tiptree.

Campaigners with the Colchester branch of Save Our Libraries Essex claim Essex County Council “failed to directly seek the views of under 19s during the consultation process”, a claim the council disputes.

The march, on Saturday April 27, will include a giant library book to sign, people dressed as book characters, songs, book-themed cakes and speeches from the youngsters.

Katy Vargas, spokesman for Colchester SOLE, said: “This march promises to be a fun day which celebrates the wonderful benefits of libraries but with a serious message - don’t ignore the voices of our young people.”

It is not the first time children have made a stand against the proposed closures. In January, young people took part in the Prettygate Library “book raid”.

The march will assemble outside Colchester Library in Trinity Square, at 2.30pm, and will head to Castle Park. A free badge and banner making workshop will be held at Colchester Makerspace in Trinity Street, from 2pm to 4pm tomorrow.

An Essex County Council spokesperson said: “We promoted the consultation to every library user. We also promoted through schools, early years service, pre-schools and organisers of library groups and activities for children. We received 4,812 responses from families with children under 11, 527 from those 16 and under and an additional 135 from 17- 20-year-olds. This means over a quarter of responses were from young people.”

A final decision will be made this summer.