A PETITION with signatures from 800 residents has been submitted to the city council opposing the closure of Wilford Library.

The petition was handed in by Conservative councillor Tim Spencer.

"The residents are opposed to the closure and want extra time to be given for community groups to investigate alternative ways to keep the important local amenity open," he said.

Councillor Andrew Price, the leader of the Conservative Group, challenged the city council to produce one less edition of The Arrow, the authority's free magazine, saving £38,000, which would make a vital contribution to the library.

The proposal was rejected by Councillor Graham Chapman at a meeting of the city council this week, but he said there may be opportunity to use funding from other sources to help support the library.

The council initially proposed to close the library on March 31, but it has relented following meetings with Wilford Community Group, which hopes to run the library after the council pulls out.

Councillor David Trimble, who is the portfolio holder for culture at the city council, has granted a six-month extension after residents accused him of failing to allow enough time to deliver the community asset transfer.

Lilian Greenwood, Labour's prospective parliamentary candidate in Nottingham South, which includes Wilford, has also supported the campaign.

She said: "With the benefit of hindsight the message could have communicated better so members of the community felt they had proper time to consider the problems and the possible solutions. I am pleased things seem to be back on track.

"I think Dave Trimble is genuinely trying to find a way forward."