The Norwich Evening News has launched a campaign to save five libraries in the city and nearby villages.

Two libraries in Norwich, and branches in Brundall, Bradwell and Hingham are currently under threat as cash-strapped Norfolk County Council looks for ways to save money.

The council's budget is currently out for consultation, and a decision on the new budget is due to be made on February 19.

In the hope of swaying that decision the Evening News has now launched a petition asking council chiefs to let the libraries remain open and continue playing a crucial role in the communities they serve.

Completed petitions will then be presented by the Evening News to council bosses at County Hall.

The paper is also running a series of stories about the plans and is asking readers to get in touch with their stories about why their local library is important to them.

However, county council leader Alison King has said closing the libraries would claw back £137,000 and questions had to be asked as to whether it was a good use of public money to maintain small libraries when there is a popular large library in central Norwich.

She told the paper: "The money has to be saved somewhere or council tax will have to go up even higher."

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