Brent library closures: Judge orders urgent hearing

A judge has ordered an urgent hearing of an appeal against a High Court decision allowing the closure of six libraries in north-west London.

Campaigners who are trying to save the libraries, earmarked for closure by Brent Council, were told on Tuesday they could appeal against the ruling.

It followed the court's decision last week that the council could go ahead with the plans to save £100m.

The hearings are expected to take place early next month.

Lord Justice Elias on Wednesday ordered that the process to hear the case in the Court of Appeal should be sped up.

Brent Council has agreed it will not do anything in the meantime that would prevent the libraries from reopening if the appeal is won.

The six facing closure in Brent are Kensal Rise, Barham Park and Preston Road and libraries at Neasden, Cricklewood and Tokyngton.

The case is being watched by campaigners around the country who also have libraries threatened with closure as cash-squeezed councils seek to reduce spending.