CAMPAIGNERS have won their fight to save Old Town and Walcot libraries from closure.

Swindon Council's cabinet has decided to keep Walcot library open indefinitely and has given the Old Town facility a stay of execution until April.

Coun Justin Tomlinson, cabinet member for leisure, culture and recreation, said the council was responding to people's passion for their local libraries.

He said: "This shows democracy at its best. It is a credit to the two communities.

"This was a genuine consultation and has galvanised enthusiasm.

"I now hope to see a reverse in decreasing usage trends in Old Town."

It was proposed the new £10m library in the town centre could replace the Old Town facility, as its usage had dropped by three quarters.

The council's deputy leader Fionuala Foley and Old Town councillors received scores of letters from concerned residents about the possible closure.

"We are delighted with the decision and recognise that it is not just a library but a community hub," Coun Foley said.

Shirley Burnham collected 450 names for a petition against the closure, which she will still present to the council today.

"I'm delighted on behalf of the people of Old Town and Lawn and delighted that the council has made such a sensible decision," she said.

"It could have gone either way and the council have generously allowed it to carry on.

"Now that people know about the library, I urge them to come and use it, otherwise we will be in the same position next year."

Fellow campaigner Rebecca Wolf, 32, set up a Facebook website and organised a protest calling for the Walcot library to remain open.

"I am so pleased with the news especially for the children and elderly people in Walcot," said the mum-of-six.

"It is fantastic and I am shocked.

"I want to thank the council for recognising the importance of it."

It was initially proposed that a refurbished library in Cavendish Square could serve Walcot residents.

But parents and teachers believed it was too far away for children who needed computers at the library to do their homework.

National library usage is declining in the UK, but Swindon's libraries have seen growing numbers of visitors, overall.

The council has said that the new central library will have extended opening times.