Library battle cry for gala day procession

The Friends of Thornton and Cleveleys libraries are set to add a protest march twist to gala day tomorrow.

Members of the group have been busy making placards and are all set to join the traditional parade, spreading a serious message amid the fun.

Thornton and Cleveleys libraries are both threatened with closure as part of a £270m package of Lancashire County Council cuts.

The authority is currently consulting on the budget proposals and those opposed to the closures are urging as many as people as possible to have their say.

Steve Walker was appointed as chairman of the Friends of Thornton and Cleveleys library last month.

He’s keen to use the gala as an opportunity to gain support. He said: “The plan is to try to continue to raise awareness and to keep up the protest.

“We’ll have people taking part in the parade. Members have been busy making placards and we’ll be handing out leaflets.

“Then over at Jubilee Gardens we will have a stall where people can find out more about the campaign as well as joining in with some library themed activities.

“It’s not just the petition, it’s getting people to respond to the county consultation. We will let people know precisely how they can.”

Tomorrow’s procession begins at noon at King George’s Playing Fields.