School pupils take part in protest to save library

School children have taken part in a protest to save a library at risk of closure as a council seeks to make £30m of savings.

Warrington Council is seeking to close Westbrook Library and also introduce a tiered system, which would see some libraries employing paid staff for fewer hours, while others would have no on-site staff at all.

Members of the St Philip's Westbrook Primary School council walked to Westbrook Library with staff - as well as local councillors - on their break as part of a campaign to keep it open.

Emma, one of the pupils who joined in, said she would be "devastated" if it was to shut. Warrington Council said no final decisions have been made yet.

Emma told BBC Radio Merseyside: "I would feel devastated because it has it has done a lot for me over the past years.

"It has provided me with books. It has provided me with a quiet space to learn and grow.

"Also, if I can't do my homework at home I can just do it there as well."

Local councillors also joined in with the protest.

Labour councillor Paul Warburton for Chapelford and Old Hall ward said it was "vitally important" the library stays open.

He said there would be a huge impact on the health and wellbeing of residents "across all ages" if it closed.

"It is not just a repository of books; it's really important from a wider community perspective," he said.

"It is also a warm hub."

Labour councillor Mark Rufus, from the Westbrook ward, also attended.

He said the library service was "pivotal" to young people and if it was to go it would hamper their education and future.

"It is a warm study space."

He said it was also "a space for older people to come and meet".

"It is a pillar of the community and our only council-run asset within the Westbrook area," he added.

The authority said: "Like many councils, Warrington faces significant budget challenges. In the 2025/26 financial year, we must find £30.4m in savings.

"The proposals we have brought forward for a new, tiered system aim to sustain core library services, amidst our budget challenges.

"No final decisions have yet been made on our library proposals, and we are encouraging everyone who would like to have their say to take part in our consultation which runs until Friday 9 May."

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