COUNCILLORS have hit out at plans whichs show three libraries could be closed in our area as part of a huge shake-up.

Kelvedon, Silver End and Hatfield Peverel have all been earmarked for closure by Essex County Council while Coggeshall could become a "hub".

A final decision on the fate of the libraries won't be made until the findings of a consultation period which is set to begin later this month.

Silver End councillor, James Abbott said: "I've been speaking to residents and we're definitely going to be launching a campaign on this.

"It's ridiculous, Silver End is looking at getting at least 1,000 more homes in the next decade and yet we're looking at the closure of a facility which is already used by so many.

"But so often it's the smaller communities and villages which lose out when it comes to decisions like this and it goes completely against what we've been told that if houses are imposed on places like Silver End, the facilities will be put in place."

Around 800 people work at the county's 74 libraries - which annually cost £10million to run - and job losses have not been ruled out under the blueprints.

India Jayatillake, chairman of Kelvedon Parish Council, said: "We are incredibly disappointed to hear that our library has been earmarked for closure.

"Essex County Council has failed to recognise that our library plays a bigger role in the village community than just a place to borrow books from and its closure will have a big impact on our residents.

"It has just become home to a new health visiting clinic, an absolutely essential resource for new parents here in Kelvedon and our library gives local computer access to those who may not have the facility at home.

"We will be calling on all our residents to complete the consultation questionnaire and help to ensure we have a library here in Kelvedon for generations to come."

A 12-week public consultation will begin on November 29 with the findings due to be published and any proposed changes considered in June 2019.

Drop in sessions will be held at every library providing an opportunity to ask questions, complete the consultation and find out more.

Visit www.essex.gov.uk/libraries-consultation to complete the consultation online.