CAMPAIGNERS who managed to convince Hampshire County Council to reconsider shutting their beloved library have warned that the cash-strapped authority could still close the facility in the future.

Friends of Chineham Library's campaign was applauded by HCC's Cllr Sean Woodward, who will make the final decision next week, after the library was taken off the initial list of ten that are recommended for closure at the end of the year.

The omission of Chineham, as well as Emsworth in Havant, means that instead eight libraries will close, including South Ham, whilst the remaining libraries will have their hours cut by an average of 20 per cent.

However, officers have hinted that further savings could be required, because of the long-term financial implications of Covid-19.

As part of the initial proposals, the council wished to make more money from the service, although this week they abandoned those plans.

And they warned that due to the pandemic the county council will have to save hundreds of thousands of pounds by 2023.

When asked whether this means that more libraries will be under threat over the coming years, Cllr Woodward said: "I really hope we won't get to that situation. I think it is important that we get a period of stability which we had for a long period in Hampshire."

Now, Friends of Chineham Library has celebrated the fact that Chineham library has been saved, but expressed their disappointment that South Ham library will still close.

A spokesperson said: "Friends of Chineham library are, of course, very please to see that Chineham Library will remain open. However, we are incredibly disappointed that Hampshire County County are continuing to pursue these cuts across the county.

"We are deeply saddened that Basingstoke will be losing South Ham Library, a much loved local library. The budget for Hampshire Library Service has been cut by over 50 per cent (in real terms) over the past decade.

"These planned cuts, along with further cuts which are suggested for next year, means that the library service will be unrecognisable, and by far the least accessible library provision in the country.

"Furthermore, it is clear from the proposal that Hampshire County Council do not consider Chineham Library to be protected from closure in the long-term and seem to think there is some benefit in relocating Chineham Library within the redeveloped shopping centre.

"Many residents believe that the proposed library closure was driven by the shopping centre redevelopment, and this does not help to alleviate those concerns.

"Hampshire County Council should be ashamed of themselves for supporting these budget cuts which, amongst many other cruelties, will tear books out of the hands of the children that most need them, and will force more people into isolation.

"Hampshire County Council would like people to believe that these budget cuts are an inevitability. However, in reality, library services are a completely political decision, and one that will stick firm in the minds of affected residents.

"We remain hopeful that Basingstoke residents will continue to support Chineham Library and wish to see membership and borrowing growing. If you haven’t been to your library recently we urge you to please go along and use it."