A PETITION has been set up to keep Ramsbottom Library open.

The Keep Ramsbottom Library Safe Facebook page and petition were set up by local resident Paul Jenkins.

The petition came about as Bury Council launched the library service review.

The consultation is designed to look at the services the libraries provide for the public before a decision is made next year about what changes to make.

Mr Jenkins said: "The library is a focal point for us in the community and we already know how important it is to the people of Ramsbottom.

"The idea that it could close can’t be allowed to happen. We have seen what has happened with Bury Central Library.

"We need to make sure everyone is using it and make sure that the people making the decisions know that it is well used and needed."

The consultation over the libraries comes after Ramsbottom Police Station and Children's Centre were closed.

Although the consultation does not explicitly state that Ramsbottom Library will be closed, the group want to ensure that it remains through the changes.

The petition already has over 700 signatures despite only being open for three weeks.

Mr Jenkins said: "I'm not surprised that we have had this response. When Ramsbottom people put their mind to something they are very good at drumming up support.

"We have a lot of support from different people including authors who have agreed to come and do events at the library.

"We have been told that they are not necessarily looking to close the libraries but the consultation is almost identical to the one about children's centres and look what happened there."

The group can be found on Facebook and the petition can be found at www.change.org/p/bury-metropolitan-borough-council-keep-ramsbottom-library-safe