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13 October 2011
Last updated at 08:00 ET
Campaigners have lost their High Court bid to save six libraries in north-west London which were marked for closure to cut council spending.
Brent Council announced plans to shut half of its libraries in April.
Brent SOS Libraries sought a judicial review arguing the decision was "flawed" as it failed to assess local needs and the impact of the closures.
The case was being seen as a test case for other campaigners across the UK fighting to keep 400 libraries open.
'Troubling implications' Mr Justice Ouseley ruled there was no evidence to support the serious allegations made against the authority.
Margaret Bailey, a spokesperson for the Brent Libraries SOS campaign, said: "We are obviously disappointed with the decision given by the judge today. We are determined to appeal."
John Halford, solicitor for the campaigners, said: "Today's judgment means that half of Brent's libraries remain under threat and has very troubling implications for library closure decisions nationally."
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Councillor Ann John, leader of the Labour-run council, said: "We are pleased that the judge, having carefully considered all the complaints, has found in the council's favour on each and every one."
The council wanted to close the libraries in Kensal Rise, Barham Park, Tokyngton, Preston, Cricklewood and Neasden by September.
Lib Dem MP for Brent Central, Sarah Teather, who is also Minister of State for Children and Families, said: "Local residents have made their opinions clear - they want the libraries to stay open and are willing to fight to make that happen - it is a real shame that Labour-run Brent Council are refusing to listen."
Celebrities such as playwright Alan Bennett, singer Nick Cave and the bands Depeche Mode, the Pet Shop Boys and Goldfrapp had backed the campaign, with many contributing to the costs.
Helen Mountfield QC, for the residents, argued Brent Council had adopted "a fundamentally flawed and unlawful approach to the making of savings in its budget" and the local authority had failed to comply with equality legislation and consult the local community properly.
'Council spent £70,000' But council lawyers said the decision was "rational, made with great care and was based on a full appreciation of the obligation to act within the law" and the judge ruled in the authority's favour.
Councillor John said: "It means we can push ahead with our exciting plans to improve Brent's library service and offer a 21st Century service for the benefit of all our residents.
"This has been a very unsettling time for libraries staff and I would like to pay tribute to them for being so professional and hard working in continuing to deliver a first rate service to Brent library users, in spite of these difficulties."
Ms Bailey said: "We believe that there are important points of principle at stake which an appeal court will decide differently.
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"Our campaign will redouble its efforts to expose the senselessness of Brent Council's decision to close half of its libraries.
"In the meantime, we demand that in light of the serious concerns raised by local residents, Brent will take the time before closing the doors of any library to properly consider the options proposed by local groups to preserve local library services, and open a dialogue with those groups to find constructive solutions for our communities.
"Brent Council has already spent over £70,000 of residents' money on this legal case and they should not waste any more money in pursuing a library closure policy that the vast majority of Brent residents oppose."
Paul Lorber, leader of the Liberal Democrats on the council, said: "We are determined to save our libraries in Brent irrespective of what the Labour administration is doing."
The Department for Culture Media and Sport said it was considering the judgement.
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Brent Council announced plans to shut half of its libraries in April.
Brent SOS Libraries sought a judicial review arguing the decision was "flawed" as it failed to assess local needs and the impact of the closures.
The case was being seen as a test case for other campaigners across the UK fighting to keep 400 libraries open.
'Troubling implications' Mr Justice Ouseley ruled there was no evidence to support the serious allegations made against the authority.
Margaret Bailey, a spokesperson for the Brent Libraries SOS campaign, said: "We are obviously disappointed with the decision given by the judge today. We are determined to appeal."
John Halford, solicitor for the campaigners, said: "Today's judgment means that half of Brent's libraries remain under threat and has very troubling implications for library closure decisions nationally."
Continue reading the main story “Start Quote
It means we can push ahead with our exciting plans to improve Brent's library service and offer a 21st Century service for the benefit of all our residents”
End Quote
Councillor Ann John
Leader of Brent Council
Councillor Ann John, leader of the Labour-run council, said: "We are pleased that the judge, having carefully considered all the complaints, has found in the council's favour on each and every one."
The council wanted to close the libraries in Kensal Rise, Barham Park, Tokyngton, Preston, Cricklewood and Neasden by September.
Lib Dem MP for Brent Central, Sarah Teather, who is also Minister of State for Children and Families, said: "Local residents have made their opinions clear - they want the libraries to stay open and are willing to fight to make that happen - it is a real shame that Labour-run Brent Council are refusing to listen."
Celebrities such as playwright Alan Bennett, singer Nick Cave and the bands Depeche Mode, the Pet Shop Boys and Goldfrapp had backed the campaign, with many contributing to the costs.
Helen Mountfield QC, for the residents, argued Brent Council had adopted "a fundamentally flawed and unlawful approach to the making of savings in its budget" and the local authority had failed to comply with equality legislation and consult the local community properly.
'Council spent £70,000' But council lawyers said the decision was "rational, made with great care and was based on a full appreciation of the obligation to act within the law" and the judge ruled in the authority's favour.
Councillor John said: "It means we can push ahead with our exciting plans to improve Brent's library service and offer a 21st Century service for the benefit of all our residents.
"This has been a very unsettling time for libraries staff and I would like to pay tribute to them for being so professional and hard working in continuing to deliver a first rate service to Brent library users, in spite of these difficulties."
Ms Bailey said: "We believe that there are important points of principle at stake which an appeal court will decide differently.
Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play."Our campaign will redouble its efforts to expose the senselessness of Brent Council's decision to close half of its libraries.
"In the meantime, we demand that in light of the serious concerns raised by local residents, Brent will take the time before closing the doors of any library to properly consider the options proposed by local groups to preserve local library services, and open a dialogue with those groups to find constructive solutions for our communities.
"Brent Council has already spent over £70,000 of residents' money on this legal case and they should not waste any more money in pursuing a library closure policy that the vast majority of Brent residents oppose."
Paul Lorber, leader of the Liberal Democrats on the council, said: "We are determined to save our libraries in Brent irrespective of what the Labour administration is doing."
The Department for Culture Media and Sport said it was considering the judgement.
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