CAMPAIGNERS trying to save Old Town library have hit out at councillors for failing to attend a meeting about its future.

Shirley Burnham, chairman of Friends of Old Town Library, believes councillors are playing politics by attending only Swindon Council-run meetings, but refusing to go along to campaign events.

The comments come after three Old Town councillors admitted they failed to turn up to last Monday’s meeting, held by independent consultant Tim Coates on how to save the library, because they had taken a decision together not to show.

Shirley said she sent personal invites to councillors Fionuala Foley, Mike Bawden and Brian Mattock but only received a group letter in response from the Conservative office saying none would be attending.

She said: “I thought they were all busy but was later told that they had made the decision not to show up together with the head of libraries, I was very disappointed to hear that my councillors decided on that.

“One of them should have showed up, they are supposed to represent the area.

“It seems like they are playing games here, while the rest of us are just trying to save the library. ”

Coun Fionuala Foley said: “She is entitled to her views and we are sorry if we offended her. We took this decision with Nick Martin, the head of libraries, before the meeting but I would not have been able to attend because of prior engagements.”

“We are still exploring volunteering options at Old Town library something that Walcot library has taken up, and something that has saved that library.

“However, that is something that Shirley refuses to accept.”