Shaldon people were shocked as they realised their library will in all likelihood be closed by the end of the year. Shaldon Primary School, which regularly takes classes to the library, was horrified to hear that the library could close. 'They didn't tell us,' said Vivien Heydon, reception class teacher. Staff did not realise that the single consultation day on the proposed closure was taking place as we spoke. 'There's been no publicity,' they said. 'There's great value in having a library in the village,' said Miss Heydon. 'It provides local facilities for the children. The librarian, Jo, is marvellous. She comes into the school to read stories to the children, helps them to choose books for themselves and teaches them how to take care of books.' Cllr Mike Coley, chairman of the parish council, said: 'It would be sad to lose the facilities of the library, particularly for older people, children and the disabled who will find it difficult to get over the bridge into Teignmouth. I would rather the library didn't close until we have an alternative. Perhaps they could combine a library in the new primary school in Bridge Road.' 'While I try to understand the council's philosophy behind the closures, it seems to me that the elderly are again being penalised unfairly,' said Shaldon resident Betty Widger. 'It would indeed be unfortunate and unfair for the community as a whole, and senior citizens in particular, if the closure went ahead.' Ann Cope, of Candlemakers, Fore Street, said: 'It's an appalling short-term view to close the library. 'It will become a dead village. You're thinking of the library service not the village, and it's all targeted at youth. To hell with youth – youth has more opportunities now than our generation ever had. Why should we suffer now?' Pat Becker, of Shaldon, is also concerned about the survival of the village. 'Local residents come to the village to call at the post office and the library and shop at our local shops,' she wrote to the county council and this paper. 'All the powers-that-be know only too well that the closing of these amenities means the eventual death of our village. It has happened to so many. Is rural sustainability just a political piece of jargon? 'We can appreciate the enthusiasm of the executive member of the cultural council, all her excitement at the improvement and modernisation of town libraries. I think she has not accepted how strongly people feel about keeping what remains of village life. These feelings are what make a village community, not high tech large places in towns, where quite rightly in this day and age young people and those living in towns will go. 'This closure, if allowed to go on, will be another bomb dropped on ordinary residents who care deeply about their village. Change it might be, but improvement – NO.'