CAMPAGNERS battling to save Corfe Castle library have issued a rallying cry to “come forward and be counted.”

A number of residents of the historic Purbeck village have adopted the same fighting spirit displayed in past centuries by defenders of their ancient castle.

Cash-strapped Dorset County Council confirmed it was pulling funding for nine libraries, Corfe included, at a meeting last month.

But campaigners in Corfe have vowed to keep their village library alive.

Campaigner Angelika Seik said: “This fight has been going on for many years as the library has been threatened many times with closure.

“But many times the villagers fought this threat off successfully.

“Now Dorset County Council has made a final decision and pulled the rug from under our feet.”

Angelika is one of a dedicated group that is working to establish its own community library.

But she urged: “Now is the time to come forward and be counted. We need people with all kinds of talent, people with lots of time to spare or just the odd hour.

“And most of all, we need people with energy and enthusiasm of all ages. And we need you now.”

Councillors voted to withdraw funding from the Dorset libraries, including Corfe Castle, Colehill, Puddletown and Wool, for the second time in November.

In July the county’s proposal to withdraw funding was carried by just one vote.

It was put back on the agenda following a motion from the Liberal Democrat group – the first standing order of its kind to be used in 20 years.

The latest vote was split down party lines with 25 Conservative councillors voting against the motion to keep the libraries funded and 14 Lib Dem and Labour councillors voting for it.

If you can help the Corfe Castle library cause contact Tony Speed on 01929 480 810 or Angelika Seik on 01929 480 637