A bid has been launched to save half of Enfield's 16 libraries from closure.

Enfield Council's overview and scrutiny committee will meet at Enfield Civic Centre at 7pm on Wednesday, August 14, , after a report was published outlining major cuts to the borough’s libraries service.

As part of a proposed new library strategy, eight libraries have been earmarked for closure, with declining usage and budget pressures cited as reasons to justify the move.

Bullsmoor, Enfield Highway, Enfield Island Village, Bowes Road, Southgate, Winchmore Hill, Oakwood and John Jackson libraries would all be closed next year if the plans go ahead.

However, the opposition Conservative group has asked for the overview and scrutiny committee to reconsider it - effectively freezing the decision until it has done so.

It is unusual for such meetings to be called in August, when council debates are often paused for the school summer holidays.

Tory councillors who signed a call to debate the move are Edward Smith, Peter Fallart, Chris Joannides, Andrew Thorp, Elisa Morreale, Andy Milne and Chris Dey.

The Labour administration’s cabinet member for environment, culture and public spaces, Chinelo Anyanwu, expected to appear at the meeting to defend the library closures decision.

A report written by the council’s policy and performance manager Lucy Nasby and published in July said a “number of actions” were required to keep in budget, reduce costs and deliver the council's current saving programmes.

But Conservative councillors have said it is “too early” to say visitor numbers are in “permanent decline”.

They also call the number of closures “drastic” and warn of the impact on students.

Enfield Council directly runs 16 libraries, thought to be the highest number of any borough in London, but the closures plan would see this number cut in half if fully implemented.

The move would save between £570,000 and £630,000 per year, while also generating up to £3.25 million in capital receipts.

After the report has been examined at the meeting, the council will vote to either implement the original decision, refer the decision back to the cabinet, or refer the matter to full council for consideration.