DISHEARTENED councillors say their communities would be “lost” without a library.

With as many as 25 libraries around Essex being earmarked for closure, councillors have spoken out about the importance of having their local libraries.

Both Harwich Library, in Upper Kingsway, Dovercourt, and Manningtree Library, in Manningtree High Street, could be seriously affected by the closures.

Essex County Council has said Harwich Library will have reduced service under the proposals.

Garry Calver, Harwich councillor, said the closures and reduced service would affect many people.

He said: “Library services throughout Essex provide a vital role for the entire community.

“It will be a dreadful blow to any community if it loses its library.

“It will be totally unacceptable for the Harwich area if the services provided for by our library are reduced significantly.”

Essex County Council also said Manningtree Library faces closure within the next two years.

Lee Lay-Flurrie, Manningtree councillor, said: “We would be lost without the library.

“Lots of people use it not just for reading books, but for the internet.

“Children use it and adults and there are events held at the library.

“There are groups there too, like adult and children reading groups.

“The library seems like it has been part of the community forever.”