A PETITION to halt the closure of nine libraries in the town racked up more than 1,000 signatures following the first public meeting between LiveWire and library users in Stockton Heath.

The campaign was set up by childminder Dina Kingsnorth-Baird who said children who are home schooled would be especially affected by the closures.

She said: “People are worried about losing their library buildings. They want a place to be able to browse real books within a real community.”

Dina said libraries are ‘priceless’ places for young people to discover the world of books and criticised the plans to replace the facilities with lending lockers.

She also pointed out that the library is not just about books but also acts as an important meeting place for residents.

The petition to Warrington Borough Council can be found at you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/save-warrington-s-libraries-1.

Fate of town's libraries uncertain after public consultation launched