DEMONSTRATORS flocked in their masses in attempt to protect their library from potential closure.

Sible Hedingham library is one of 24 libraries across Essex which is at risk of closure following a review by Essex County Council.

Shan Newhouse who organised the protest in just with Tracey Ashmeade said that around 85 people turned up to the protest to support their library, and even blocked the road at one point.

Demonstrators of all ages waved banners etched with "save our library" and "hands off our library" outside of the building from 10.30am.

Prior to the protest, Dr Newhouse said she expected between 30 and 40 people to turn up and is "touched" by the turn out.

She said: "It was really good fun, we had all sorts of people, disabled people, youngsters with parents, all age groups.

"It was really enthusiastic."

"We're going quickly and we won't go away.

"Local shops are handing out leaflets and there are petitions in local pubs. Practically everyone you talk to is in favour."

Dr Newhouse is passionate about keeping the library running, saying she believes there is so much untapped potential for the use of Sible Hedingham library.

"It's an issue like apple pie and motherhood, everyone likes their local library.

"It's a hub, all sorts can go on, not only computer access which is important to benefit claimants, but there's book clubs, a craft club, a book circle, and it's a free place to hold meetings."

As a former GP, Dr Newhouse has also high-lighted the significance of the library as a place to combat loneliness.

She stated how social isolation and loneliness is one of the biggest killers, and having the library there as a form of social integration and a hobby can combat this.

She added: "The library is the best prescriptive medicine as well as being educational."

Dr Newhouse is also urging those who want to express their concerns about Sible Hedingham library closing to join her in writing a letter to Essex County Council leader, David Finch.

"If they tear enough up there will be no community left at all and more people getting into grief."

Tracey Ashmeade, who assisted Dr Newhouse in the organisation of the protest added: "The protest was peaceful yet well supported by the locals.

"A large, but friendly gathering of all ages came together to demonstrate against the closure of the library.

"Shan did an excellent job of involving young and old to give everyone a chance to express their feelings.

"The gathering marched in to the road to increase awareness, all the road users were fully supportive of the demonstration.

"I spoke to one lady, an 88 year old Castle Hedingham resident who had come along to join the protest.

"She said since her husband had died a few years ago and her family had grown up and moved away the library was the only place she now met people socially and was very concerned about social isolation if it closed."