AN offer to run West Mersea Library as a community library has been withdrawn.

Back in July revised plans for the future of Essex’s libraries were given the green light.

Under the proposals, the council has promised no libraries will close in the next five years.

The council will now will look to set up community-run libraries, which will be given a grant of £18,000 split across three years.

Campaigners fighting to save libraries are urging community groups to withdraw offers to run the service, saying sacking library staff and having libraries run by volunteers is not sustainable.

An expression of interest to run the library in Mersea had been submitted, however this has now been revoked.

It is not known who submitted the request but campaigners on the island have confirmed it has been withdrawn.

More detailed plans are being drawn up by the council for the future of Essex libraries.