PLANS to save Darlington’s library services are gathering pace, say campaigners.

A steering group has been formed to save the town’s historic Crown Street Library, Cockerton Library and the mobile library from closure.

The facilities could close their doors forever if Darlington Borough Council’s contentious programme of budget cuts is approved.

Under the plans, the majority of resources from Crown Street would be moved to the Dolphin Centre and the other libraries closed completely.

In the face of strong opposition, the council recently challenged protestors to come up with alternative proposals.

Taking up the challenge, Darlington for Culture organised a workshop, inviting interested parties to join them in working on plans that could sustain the future of the libraries.

A statement from DfC said: “A steering group has been formed to firm up ideas voiced in the seven-hour meeting, including how additional income can be made from the library, additional uses for the building, potential savings and how the community and council can work together to preserve a library in Crown Street.

“A team is also looking at plans to save Cockerton Library as a community hub/library and discussions are under way with a number of people in the community.”

In addition, well-known campaigner Shaun Campbell is developing a plan to sustain the future of the Dolphin Centre – making Crown Street’s move less viable – by establishing a football heritage centre there.

The campaigners have also urged lovers of the libraries to continue protesting and are encouraging Darlington residents to lobby councillors and sign The Northern Echo’s Save Crown Street Library petition.

DfC’s chairman John Dean said: “We have ideas which have potential and are worth the council exploring.

“But although the community is working to come up with alternative proposals, our view is still that we shouldn’t have to.

“People have already demonstrated their opposition to these proposals.”

Members of the steering group are set to meet with council officers next week for a ‘fact-finding meeting’, after which they will finalise their ideas and seek views before formally submitting them before the end of May.

In the meantime, those working on proposals for Crown Street are inviting others to share necessary skills with them.

They are looking for help with graphic design, law, accountancy and writing business cases.

Anybody who could help should contact DfC or visit the Darlington Library – Keep it at Crown Street Facebook page.