FURIOUS campaigners are launching their own consultation into plans to build a new library and flats.

Members of Epping Forest Save Our Libraries Essex will be staging an alternative consultation in Loughton High Road on Saturday between 2pm and 4pm, outside the old Clinton Cards on Centric Parade.

They claim the plans will lead to a much smaller library space and put “property developers before people.”

A spokesman said: “The consultation, led by Essex Housing, was deeply flawed and asking leading questions designed to create answers appearing to support the proposals.

“Making a fast buck selling luxury flats in the five storey building is first and central, our much smaller library underneath is an after thought.”

An Essex County Council spokesman said: “The scheme provides an enhanced library on the existing site including space for community partners, meeting rooms, events and a new outdoor learning and activity space.

“A detailed online, digital, and in-person consultation programme ran during July and August and marked a key milestone in the project. The consultation gave residents, library users and other stakeholders the opportunity to provide feedback through a structured survey, free text response and dedicated phone line, ensuring all comments could be captured to make the new library reflective of their needs.”