The campaign to save Friern Barnet Library

A row over the future of Friern Barnet Library will be decided in court after a group of squatters were told they would be allowed to present their plans for the building to a judge.

Barnet Council closed the library in April because of budget cuts. But the squatters then moved in and, thanks to books and computers donated by local people, have reopened it and are running it with the community's help. A court has now granted the squatters three weeks to work out their plans for the library to see if they can keep it going. Joanna Fryer of the Save Friern Barnet Library campaign says she is thrilled that the squatters have managed to keep the library operating.

However, Barnet Council want to sell the building off and open a new library in a building in Friary Park. The Save Friern Barnet Library say the new facility is not suitable but Councillor Richard Cornelius of Barnet Council says they have to cut costs.