Brent to axe six libraries and build one costing £3m despite locals' fury

Council bosses were today accused of hypocrisy over plans to axe half of Brent's libraries in the face of massive public opposition.

Six are expected to shut in months - despite a consultation showing 80 per cent of residents are against the move. The doomed libraries include Kensal Rise, backed by author Zadie Smith, Barham Park, Tokyngton, Preston, Cricklewood and Neasden.

Brent council chiefs today defended their decision, saying: "The consultation was not a referendum."

But campaigners accused them of ignoring residents' opinions and branded the three-month consultation "flawed". Sue McKenzie, head of libraries, museums and archives, published her recommendations this week in a bid to save £1 million over two years. Councillors are expected to vote in favour on Monday.

Under the plans, the six libraries could be shut by September. The council is developing a £3 million "mega library" near Wembley Stadium. It is set to open in 2013 as part of the council's £100 million civic centre. Samantha Warrington, 42, of Save Preston Library Campaign, said: "The council are being very contradictory. They say they can't afford to keep six libraries, blaming it on government cuts, but at the same time they're building a new library.

"It's a total waste of time having a consultation. The council said that even if everyone disagreed with the plans they would still go ahead."

James Powney of Brent council said: "Most people going to libraries that remain open will get an improved service there.

"We had a consultation which focused on the library strategy. It's more complicated than doing what people said in the questionnaire. It's a consultation not a referendum."

The Standard is running a Save Our Libraries Campaign, backed by top authors including Philip Pullman.