CAMPAIGNERS battling to save their library are launching a petition, and hope to collect more than 1,000 signatures.

The Friends of Bedale Library are starting the petition at the car boot sale in Bedale Hall tomorrow (Saturday April 4).

It will urge North Yorkshire County Council to keep the library open in Bedale Hall and to continue to staff it. Campaigner Susan Perkins said: “Friends feel that the library is a valuable community asset and resource, and that handing it over to volunteers to run will not only disrupt the continuity and professionalism of the service, but will save very little money when the costs of vetting and training volunteers are taken into consideration.

"Friends hope that many people attending the car boot sale will be willing to support the petition.”

North Yorkshire County Council is consulting on major plans to close up to 20 libraries across the county as part of moves to save £1.9 million.