A regional daily has failed in its bid to save a library from closure despite almost 7,000 readers backing a petition against the move.

The Northern Echo had campaigned to save Darlington’s main library which was under threat as part of a round of £12.5m council cutbacks.

The Echo launched its campaign earlier this year, urging readers to sign and send in coupons registering their support.

However, members of Darlington Council have now agreed to the closure, which was reported by the Echo on its front page.

The majority of Labour councillors put their weight behind the plans, while Conservative members abstained from every named vote.

The Echo has now pledged to hold the authority to account over the changes.

The campaign was launched by the newspaper in March

Head of content Nigel Burton said: “We’re obviously disappointed with the council’s decision.

“Nearly 7,000 readers took the time to sign our petition calling for a rethink and the authority had a fully costed alternative which could have spared the service.

“However, the Northern Echo will continue to scrutinise the authority’s plans and hold it accountable on the pledges it has made to maintain a viable library service.”