Addingham and Wilsden villagers step up in bid for libraries (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Addingham and Wilsden villagers step up in bid for libraries

9:30am Thursday 21st July 2011 in News

Dozens of community-spirited volunteers have stepped forward in a last-ditch attempt to save two village libraries from the axe.

During public meetings held in Wilsden and Addingham, campaigners rallied round to take over the running of the under-threat facilities.

In Wilsden, campaigners now have until the end of September to finalise arrangements before the village hall is hired out to another group.

More than 50 volunteers have come forward to help run the service, which closed at the end of June after Bradford Council withdrew funding in a bid to save money.

Meanwhile, villagers in Addingham have rallied around to come up with their own trust and are getting closer to agreeing a deal with the Council.

Councillor Adrian Naylor, who represents the Craven ward, said so far “27 volunteers and counting” have stepped forward to help out after a meeting in the village to discuss the plan. He said: “Word is getting around and people are stepping up to the plate.”

• Read more in Thursday’s T&A