AN avalanche of objections have been submitted by residents in North Yorkshire battling to save libraries, with more than 3,000 people making their views known.

Thousands have responded to the consultation as the county moves to withdraw staff from 20 libraries leaving them to be run by volunteers or close.

Five libraries in major towns will have just one member of staff and even seven major core libraries, including Northallerton, will need volunteers to keep services going.

In Bedale campaigners have formed the Friends of Bedale Library and called on the town council for help to save it.

Protestor Susan Perkins said: “What does it say when we can’t afford to keep a library open?”

She added: “Almost ten per cent of our population are over 75. This library is desperately needed, for children and young people too.”

Stokesley residents are opposing the cuts and an online petition has been launched to save North Yorkshire’s libraries.

In 2011 the authority planned extensive cuts but backed off when 2,000 people attended meetings and 6,000 responded to the consultation, although nine community libraries were set up, including Great Ayton which is backed by funds from the parish council precept.

The county council’s deputy leader, Carl Les, said the authority was continuing to face massive budget cuts.

“We can’t continue to do what we have always done,” he said.