HAMPSTEAD Garden Suburb Residents’ Association said it will support the community in its battle to save its library at a meeting last night.

At the 99th annual general meeting residents raised concerns about Barnet Council’s plans to close the library in Market Place.

It is the only facility in Barnet which is set to shut completely following a review of the library service in the borough.

One resident said it would be a “serious loss to the community” and asked the association for support against the plans as part of its duty to “protect and enhance cultural amenities of the suburb".

Chairman of the association Janet Elliot assured hundreds of residents who attended the AGM that it is aware of the proposals.

She said: “The residents' association had already made a submission to the borough before this announcement because we had our fears.”

Ms Elliot admitted it “may be in the lap of the gods” but said the association would support residents' efforts to prevent the closure.

A consultation on the plans will start on Monday, April 4, and will last for ten weeks.