A CAMPAIGN to stop cuts to a community library’s opening hours was staged over the weekend.

Concerned residents and councillors met on Saturday to show their support for Belmont Library. Durham County Council is proposing cutting opening times to 36 hours per week at 11 town centre libraries and 20 hours per week at 27 community libraries to save a total of £1.5m.

But Supporters say Belmont Library is one of the best performing in the county and issuing 96,628 books a year to 42,253 visitors. Councillor Eric Mavin, who is also chairman Carrville and Belmont Residents’ Association, has written to the council to oppose the plan.

He said: "Residents of Belmont and district, prize their library and have therefore instigated a petition against the proposed reduction in opening hours. The sustained strong response is clearly demonstrating how much it is valued by the community.

"In view of the strength of local resident opinion, as expressed in this letter, we ask that Durham County Council rethinks the decision to so drastically reduce the opening hours of Belmont Library as such action would be to the great detriment of our community."

No-one at Durham Council Council was available for comment.

To take part in the consultation, call 0191-383-4403, e-mail: Library.Consultation@durham.gov.uk or visit durham.gov.uk ends