A community group is to be launched to fight council cutbacks in services for the people of Anerley.

The Friends of Anerley will be officially launched with a public meeting tomorrow (Thursday) at the town hall, Anerley Road, and will fight proposed cuts which would involve closing the library and selling off the town hall in a borough-wide scheme to save several hundred thousand pounds.

The Friends, formed after the News Shopper reported anger at the plans, hope to get the whole community involved.

Five hundred leaflets have been printed and volunteers will be distributing them to households in the area.

Chairman Breda Gardner said: "It will probably be a long and hard fight. But we're ready and it's worth it to save these facilities."

Ward councillor Bill MacCormick said: "People in this area won't stand by and see vital parts of community life axed. Social, educational and cultural facilities are as important here as anywhere. Both ward councillors fully back the campaign to keep these facilities and will be voting against the cuts."

Anerley residents are all welcome at the meeting, which will start at 7.30pm.

November 26, 2001 17:36