The closure of the mobile library announced in the Liberal Democrats budget has left users outraged and determined to fight the controversial decision.

The library has 1,206 members, including 576 elderly people and 486 children.

Every month it issues 2,145 books and videos.

Scrapping the library will save £65,000 and the Lib Dems say it costs the council £6 for every book taken out. They say elements of the library could be replaced by the housebound home-delivery service.

To find out more, the Guardian joined the van on its rounds last week in Bowness Crescent, Kingston Vale. Users told us they would face a long journey into the town centre or to New Malden if the library bus is scrapped.

Margaret Drake, 81, who has been using the library for almost 30 years, said: "I can't tell you how I feel. I'm outraged. I use it every week, every time it comes."

Mrs Drake, who was returning 10 books, added: "Can you imagine dragging this lot home from Kingston on the bus? We've got nothing here in the Vale.

"We are making as loud a noise as possible. What else can we do?"

Coombe Hill Conservative councillor, Patrick Codd said: "This really is the far end of the borough. To lose the mobile library means you really are cut off. It's a basic service we should be providing."

Coun Codd said it was at least three miles and two bus rides to Kingston town centre library and closing the service was unfair on the elderly and mothers with young children.

Kingston Centre for Independent Living also condemned the planned closure. In a letter to councillors, community development officer, Dominique Mimnagh said: "Having limited or restricted mobility can be a very isolating and lonely experience and removing this service only accentuates these feelings."

She will be organising a petition to fights the service's closure.

Do you agree with the council's plan? Register your vote at www.kingstonguardian.co.uk/views/library

January 28, 2003 10:30