A MUCH-LOVED library has been given special status – but there are still proposals to bulldoze it.

Higham Hill Library has been made an asset of community value by Waltham Forest Council, even though it could be moved under £3million worth of cuts.

The shock decision comes as local protest groups are passionately advocating to keep it where it is.

Campaigners are trying desperately to rouse communities to save library services by responding to a consultation, which ends on January 31.

The decision to grant it ACV status has been hailed as “a fantastic thing” by those fighting to protect the service.

Ananda Rutherford of the Save Higham Hill Library campaign group said: “Even with this vote they could still vote to relocate, which is terrifying.

“The council say that the existing libraries are not supporting literacy and other community needs.

“To be considered as an ACV legislation dictates that the property must continue to aid the community’s wellbeing and interest within the next five years.

This means that the status could be used as a factor by the Planning Inspectorate to refuse planning permission to demolish or change the use of the building.

Other sights to be registered as ACVs include The Matchroom Stadium and the Hale End Library.

Although Wood Street library has not been granted ACV status, it included in a list of buildings of local architectural or historic interest in 2012.

Ms Rutherford pointed how both Higham Hill and Wood Street libraries have been made ‘the Summer Reading Challenge Borough Champions”, showing their importance.

The Guardian Series has requested comment from Waltham Forest Council.

To take part online, visit: walthamforest.gov.uk/content/consultation-library-improvement-programme.