A CAMPAIGN has been launched to save a threatened Hampshire library from closure.

Villagers are being urged to come forward to help reprieve the library in North Baddesley.

The rallying cry has come from local councillor Alan Dowden, who fears the facility could be lost.

He now wants villagers to step up and volunteer to run the library.

The North Baddesley library is facing closure under county council cuts.

They want to hand over running of the libraries to volunteers, or they will be shut down next September.

But Mr Dowden said: “We simply have to save this service, particularly for the older people and youngsters in the area.

“Parents in the current economic climate can’t always afford to go out and buy books, so this is a valuable and vital service.”

The controversial plans will see library opening hours slashed by 146 hours a week across the county, with 20 full-time posts also set to be axed.

Anyone who wants to volunteer to help save the library can pick up an application form from the library.