A community partnership says the closure of the local library in council budget cuts will be a “major blow” for the area.

Yesterday Harrow Borough Council announced proposals to possibly close four of the borough’s ten libraries to save money in next year’s budget.

The four which could close include Bob Lawrence Library, in Edgware, Hatch End Library, in the Harrow Arts Centre, North Harrow Library, in Pinner Road, and Rayners Lane Library, in Imperial Drive.

Chairman of the North Harrow Community Partnership Kamal Shah said: “If the library was to go it would be a major blow for North Harrow.

“The area has already had its problems with the car park charges which has really hurt businesses. If the library goes, it would be devastating and there will be nothing for people to visit in North Harrow.

"We are told by the council they want to help revitalise the area, but then they come up with ideas like this which will hurt the area. It will be a death knell.

“There has been a lot of work done to help North Harrow by the businesses and community, but if we lose the library, then it will have been all for nothing.”

In response to the announcement Conservative Cllr Manji Kara said: “Our libraries are invaluable to many residents – whether they are studying, doing research, reading for pleasure or looking for work.

"Libraries are one of the services people rightly expect their councils to provide, so for Labour to propose closing half of them in Harrow is simply scandalous.

“Labour will blame the Government for this because that’s what they always do, but the simple truth is that keeping two of these libraries open costs the same as the chief executive they’ve just reemployed.

"So Labour clearly care more about paying someone to make their lives easier than they do about providing services our residents want, which just shows how screwed up their priorities are.

“On a personal note, my two year granddaughter always looks forward to trips to the local library. She loves sharing a book with me, and there will be many like her who will now miss the opportunity to learn with loved ones.”

Cabinet member for community and culture Cllr Sue Anderson, said: “With the Conservative government imposing £75m of cuts on Harrow Council, and our residents, we are looking at how we can make savings in all of our services.

“The local Tories seem to have their heads buried in the sand; they are pledging to protect everything without providing meaningful solutions or working constructively with us.

"We therefore look forward to seeing their alternative budget where they can put forward proposals about how to address next year’s £25m funding shortfall.

“After receiving thousands of responses from our successful ‘Take Part’ budget consultation we are now having further discussions with residents about the library services in Harrow.”

Those interested in taking part in the consultation can find out all the options proposed by the council by clicking here.