BIRSTALL actress Tracy Brabin has thrown her support behind a campaign to safeguard four libraries in Batley and Spen.

Kirklees Council is currently consulting on what services should be retained as it prepares to make cuts imposed by central Government.

The local Labour party is campaigning to save the libraries and Ms Brabin, who is currently appearing in Emmerdale has previously appeared in Coronation Street, is supporting that work.

She has been out with the party's general election candidate Jo Cox to campaign on the issue, visiting libraries in Birstall and Batley, which she used as a student.

Ms Brabin, who plays Ashley Thomas’s love interest Carole in Emmerdale, said: “The libraries were pivotal to my success and everyone should be given the same opportunities.

"I remember winning a writing competition at Birstall Library when I was nine and it breaks my heart to think other children would be able to enjoy them like I did.

“I know Kirklees is struggling to balance the books due to Government cuts but there must be some consideration. The town centres are struggling as it is and to take the libraries away would be detrimental to trying to bring people in.”

Branches in Cleckheaton and Heckmondwike are also under threat.