A number of events will be staged by a library campaign group across Essex this month to continue promoting against the closure several libraries.

Save Our Libraries Essex (SOLE) will host their 'save our librarians - no closures by stealth' day of action on Saturday, January 25.

A demonstration will be held in Chelmsford High Street between midday and one, with a rally to be addressed by political leaders, campaigners from Galleywood and Broomfield library campaigners.

In Colchester the town's SOLE group will meet at the library at 11am while Manningtree supporters will hold an exhibition of photos from previous campaigns in the Methodist Church at 10am.

Other events will also be taking place in Shenfield and outside libraries in Castle Point, with more expected to be organised elsewhere in the county.

“St John Payne Catholic School is proud to continue its support of SOLE”, said Saint John Payne headteacher Tom Coen. “Any reductions in the quality of the County's library services would represent significant concerns for all involved in education.

“Our libraries make a hugely significant contribution to the progress and success of the young people in our care, and we remain committed to protecting these most valuable resources against any proposed closure or reduction in service.”

A SOLE spokesperson added: “People power has achieved so much last year in preventing the immediate closure of a third of Essex's libraries.

“However, a closure plan by stealth remains, as proposals to sell off library buildings, get rid of paid staff, and have volunteers house and run libraries is unsustainable.

“So campaigners are hosting events to further raise awareness that the campaign still has much to do in 2020 to keep Essex's libraries safe.”