Urgent appeal on Brent libraries ordered

An urgent hearing for an appeal against a landmark decision to allow the closure of six north-west London libraries has been ordered.

The order that an appeal to the Court of Appeal should be expedited was made by Lord Justice Elias. Now attempts are being made to arrange the hearing for two days early in November.

A High Court judge last week rejected claims that decisions to close the libraries in Brent were "fundamentally flawed and unlawful". Brent Council has agreed not to take irrevocable steps to prevent the libraries reopening if the appeal is successful.

Celebrities such as author Philip Pullman, playwright Alan Bennett, singer Nick Cave and bands Depeche Mode, the Pet Shop Boys and Goldfrapp have supported residents fighting the cuts. Campaign groups around the country are watching the case as they also have libraries threatened with closure.

Those covered by Brent which face closure are Kensal Rise, Barham Park and Preston Road and libraries at Neasden, Cricklewood and Tokyngton.

Brent Council said the closures will help to pay for improvements to the rest of its library service and contribute to its necessary £104 million of savings.

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