THREE of the borough’s libraries are one step closer to closure after councillors approved the controversial plans last night.

Barnet’s Cabinet members voted in favour of the Library Strategy Plan which proposes closures of Friern Barnet, Hampstead Garden Suburb and North Finchley libraries.

But, the recommendation was added: “Subject to the consideration of the feasibility of any community initiatives that come forward from residents on or before October 31.”

Therefore, campaigners who have already held protests and signed petitions, now have a chance to come up with their own ideas of how to better run their libraries and ultimately, save them.

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