AN MP is getting behind a community’s fight to save their library from council pressure to relocate it.

Conservative MP for Chingford and Woodford Green, Iain Duncan Smith, met campaigners fighting to save Hale End Library, in The Avenue, Highams Park, on Friday (July 15).

The former minister called the library a “valuable asset for the people of Highams Park” despite the council’s unanimous vote to relocate it to smaller premises nearby the Tesco superstore.

Mr Duncan Smith added: “The current building is clearly accessible, located in a convenient location and fit for purpose having only be refurbished a few years ago.

“A number of local residents have contacted me to express their concerns about the proposal to close the library.

“I shall be writing to the council to reconsider this in light of such strength of feeling.”

Conservative cllr Sheree Rackham, of Hale End and Highams Park ward, says the library has been a part of her family for more than 18 years.

She added: “It is the last public building in Hatch Lane ward and is a well-used iconic building which everybody knows and loves.”

Cllr Rackham fears if it moved, elderly and disabled visitors driving there, would be affected by the access of the council’s proposed site in Signal Walk.

She said: “The new proposed site will not attract residents to it as it is quite some distance from the road, much smaller and less attractive.

“I am sure we can work with the council to keep it where it is and look at other more financially robust options in using the space.”

It is now up to the people of Highams Park to use the consultation phase, in place until September, to lobby councillors, write letters and continue community action.

Save Hale End Library campaigners held a musical book-themed protest on Thursday (July 14) outside the Walthamstow Town Hall, with more public action in the pipeline.

The council has been asked to comment.