COUNTY council chiefs have sent a message to more than 10,000 people who signed petitions to save libraries: "We are listening."

At Shire Hall yesterday chief executive Peter Bungard apologised to the public, kept waiting for an hour while councillors deliberated over whether they would be able to vote on the petition demands.

He said: "It may seem like a farce but this is a very badly framed piece of law that has been imposed on us."

The petition called for an independent review into the future of Gloucestershire libraries.

There is a public consultation session tomorrow at Cinderford Library from 10am to 1pm.

Cinderford councillor Graham Morgan said: "If people have gone to all this effort to present the petition there should be a vote taken so people know the views of the council."

During the ensuing debate, he said: "What a magnificent petition.

"I think the council should listen to this people power.

"When it comes to Cinderford Library you might need to cut opening hours to save costs but when you close libraries that's total destruction."

Mitcheldean library campaigner Anna Wilson, who handed in a separate petition, said: "The feeling of the people in Gloucestershire is so strong the council should find some mechanism to respond.

"The number of grass roots petitions in addition to the 10,600-name petition presented to cabinet member Coun Antonia Noble demands a proper response."

Demelza Jones from Friends of Gloucestershire Libraries added: "We are disappointed a vote could not be taken today, but our petition has done its job in getting onto the full council agenda."

Council leader Mark Hawthorne, pictured, said the council was having to make some very tough decisions.

Coun Sarah Lunnon argued that libraries offer a lifeline for the most vulnerable in our society.

The consultation closes on February 12 and the budget will be decided on February 16.