Petition calls on MP to back fight to save Ludlow Library

Fears over the future of Ludlow Library are growing as no agreement has yet been struck over who might take it on if Shropshire Council withdraws all funding from April 2017 as planned.

Resident Emma Summers has launched a petition directed at Mr Dunne asking for him to intervene in the fate of the library.

In the petition, which gained more than 100 supporters in its first few hours after its launch yesterday morning, she says: "Ludlow library is not only a place to find books, use internet and explore our history, it is the life blood of our community, a place for everyone, young and old.

"If we are complacent we will lose it, but if we stand together and sign this petition we have a chance of saving a great community hub.

"Please help us to save our great library, let's show our council that Ludlow people care about what is happening to our public services and the cuts that are being forced upon us.

"These cuts are unacceptable and we urge our MP Phillip Dunne to step up and advocate on our behalf to save our library and community hub."

Mr Dunne said he was well aware of the issues surrounding the library's future.

He said: "I recently spoke to Ludlow's mayor Councillor Paul Draper and some of the councillors regarding the need for Ludlow Town Council to engage in talks with Shropshire Council more urgently to see what the town council is willing to do to help preserve services in the town.

"I'm keen to work with Ludlow Town Council and other parties in the community, such as Ludlow Town Centre Residents Association and Friends of Ludlow Museum, to ensure the continuation of services and I'm happy to receive this petition as and when it is ready to be submitted."

He said he had met with museum supporters on Monday to talk about the future of Ludlow Museum Resource Centre, which shares the same building with Ludlow Library.

• See the petition here