MANY children will be deprived of a place to do their homework if Walcot Library closes, say residents.

Concerned library users staged a protest outside its doors on Saturday morning calling for the closure plan to be scrapped.

Swindon Council has proposed that Walcot and Old Town libraries will shut in budget proposals.

It has said the new facilities at the new £10m Central Library and regenerated Cavendish Square will serve the purpose instead.

But children from nearby schools use the internet in Walcot Library to help with homework. And parents say that Cavendish Square and the town centre are too far for children and elderly people to go.

A group of youngsters held up posters saying Save our Library and We Love Books.

"When I head the library was closing, I was very annoyed," said 12-year-old Gabie Lewis.

"I come here a lot to help with my school work and read books."

Mum-of-six Rebecca Wolf, 32, from Walcot, said: "All the children use the library. So many children do not have access to the internet at home.

"Walcot is a deprived area and it would be a great shame if they lost this facility."

Lainesmead Primary headteacher Jeanette Turner said: "We rely heavily on the library in Walcot.

"It is fundamental for the children's education. About 50 children use it regularly.

"Cavendish Square is too far for four-year-olds to walk to."

Coun Mavis Childs (Con, Walcot,) said: "As far as I am concerned, this is a proposal so there will have to be a full consultation with users.

"I'm concerned about homes no longer having the internet facility available at the library."

Andrea McGill, Walcot Dome centre manager, believes the library is central to the community.

She said: "There is nowhere else for the children to go.

"If they take anything else, we won't have a Walcot."

National library usage is declining around the UK, but Swindon libraries have growing numbers of visitors.

The council has said that the new Central Library will have extended opening times.