A COURT decision against library campaigners in London could rule out a similar challenge to save five under threat libraries in Bolton.

Campaigners yesterday lost their High Court challenge against six library closures in Brent.

They asked a judge to declare decisions to close the “treasured libraries” in Brent, north London, unlawful.

They accused Brent Council of failing to comply with its statutory duties when it decided to close six of its 12 libraries in April this year.

But Mr Justice Ouseley, sitting at the High Court in London, rejected their arguments and dismissed their application for judicial review.

The case was being followed by campaigners and councillors in Bolton.

It is thought a similar challenge to Bolton Council would cost campaigners £30,000.

Musicians, writers and celebrities contributed to campaign costs in Brent. Nick Cave, Depeche Mode, the Pet Shop Boys and Goldfrapp were among those who supported the challenge.

Ian McHugh from Save Bolton Libraries (SBL) said: “The cost of a judicial review is a big issue for us and we would need someone to come forward with funds.

“The other option we are looking at is to ask the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, to hold a local inquiry.”

The department held a similar inquiry under the last Labour Government when a Conservative council on the Wirral announced plans to close 11 of the 24 libraries in the borough.

Former Culture Secretary and Leigh MP Andy Burnham ordered the inquiry into Wirral library closures in April 2009.

The department concluded Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council’s plan would have broken the law.

Bolton Council’s full executive approved the closure of five libraries — Astley Bridge, Heaton, Oxford Grove, Highfield and Castle Hill — on Wednesday.

The decision will be looked at again on Monday by the Adult Services scrutiny committee and will most likely go to a final vote at full council on Wednesday.

The five axed libraries will be replaced by neighbourhood collections, which could then be rolled out to other areas of Bolton without a library.

Council leader Cllr Cliff Morris said: “What they were saying to Brent was they hadn’t consulted enough, but we do not have those concerns.

“No one wants to close any libraries but we have to be realistic.

If we can broaden out the collections to other areas, then something good could come of the closures.”