Campaigners are “thrilled” after the decision to close Friern Barnet Library was referred back to cabinet for reconsideration last night.

Labour Councillor Barry Rawlings asked for the decision to be referred back to Barnet Council's cabinet in an attempt to prevent the closure which was announced last month.

Cllr Rawlings argued a community group’s bid to run the library more efficiently was not properly considered by Councillor Robert Rams, cabinet member for customer access and partnerships and council officers.

Save Friern Barnet Library campaign groups proposed to save the council around £100,000 by cutting library staff and opening hours. But Cllr Rawlings claimed incorrect figures were given to cabinet members.

Speaking at last night’s business management overview and scrutiny committee, Cllr Rawlings said: “The decision that cabinet made was based on wrong figures.”

But Cllr Rams confirmed the proposal did not meet the council's low-cost requirements.

Conservative Councillor Kate Salinger also spoke out against the closure, as she declared her support for the call-in.

Addressing the committee, she said: “I bitterly resent the fact I have to speak out against the policy and party I’m a member of.

“The closure of the library will not just lose the local community a library, it will lose us our one and only community building that’s left.”

Committee member Councillor Brian Salinger, added: “I believe it’s the credibility of this council that’s at stake here.”

After deliberating, the councillors unanimously voted in favour of sending the decision back to cabinet with the recommendation Friern Barnet Library does not close until facilities are available at the new library planned to open at the Artsdepot in North Finchley.

Cllr Rams confirmed Friern Barnet Library will not close until after the cabinet resources committee has made its decision on April 4.

Fiona Cochrane, a member of the Save Friern Barnet Library group, said: “We’re thrilled with the decision to send it back to cabinet.

“The library means an awful lot to the local community including schools and the elderly and we will be continuing to fight to keep it open.”