CAMPAIGNERS trying to save Lochwinnoch Library delivered a special message to Renfrewshire Council's HQ - three wheelbarrows full of old books.

The books had all been signed inside their dust jackets and formed an unusual petition in support of the village's beloved library building.

Council bosses want to close the existing building and move the library into different premises.

Petition organiser Lesley Scott said: "We wanted to do something that was different, but we were surprised by the response, young, old, all sorts joined in. When you read some of the comments that people have put in their books you can see that this campaign really matters to people." Campaigner Marie Hughes said: "Today it's so easy to throw up a petition on the internet, a couple of clicks and you're done. But with our petition every book carries a personal message, it has taken real effort, I just hope it will make a difference with the councillors." Resident Dave Mellor added: "The council has targeted this village for a huge amount of cuts, it proposes to close down two thirds of our public buildings and that is going to save the council just £40,000 a year.

"The council keep saying they are just moving the library but they want to spend £80,000 of our money to give us a poorer service and this village loses a building which was donated to the people 150 years ago."