Watch: We will fight to save Newport's library, say residents

Newport Library is one of the services that is earmarked for closure by Telford & Wrekin Council.

Users of the library say it would be a huge loss to the town if the library was to close due to council cuts.

Town and borough councillor Peter Scott said he was amazed to see so many people turn out for the protest.

He said: "It is clear to see from the amount of people who made the effort to come out on a cold Wednesday morning that this service is vital for Newport.

"It was hard to count an exact number but I would say there was easily between 100 and 150 people there.

"There were people of all ages, which just goes to show how much this service is needed.

"People came out from work just to protest against these possible cuts, which everyone says would be a huge loss for the town.

"Even the staff in library were overwhelmed by the amount of people.

"I hope this sends a message to Telford & Wrekin Council – we don't want to lose this service."

The borough council needs to make £30 million worth of savings in the next two years, and cutting services is one way it hopes to do it.

One regular user of the library, Barbara Wickstead, of Edgmond, said she would be lost if the library was to close as she uses it every few weeks. The 83-year-old said if the town was to lose the service she would have to travel to Wellington Library.

"The library is always busy when I go," she said. "I don't go every week but I do go every few weeks. I love reading and I need to get books with the larger print.

"If the library was to close I would have to travel all the way to Wellington to collect the books.

"I could buy them but I just don't see the point as once I've read them, what do I do with them?

"That's why having the library on my doorstep is brilliant, because I can take the books back and someone else is able to use them."

Mrs Wickstead's friend Jean Harper, also from Edgmond, has also criticised the cuts saying it is "a well-used library".

The 72-year-old said: "I go there every few weeks and it really is a well-used library.

"It is very popular with many people in the town and they have some really good books in there.

"It would be a huge shame to see it go as it is a big part of the town."

The monthly outdoor market in the town is also one of the services that could face the axe.

However, Newport Indoor Market is safe as it is not run by Telford & Wrekin Council.