Libraries across the county face an uncertain future after the council voted to staff them with volunteers.

Surrey County Council’s Conservative ruling group voted unanimously to close 11 libraries if communities didn’t take up the option of running them.

The decision came despite a scrutiny committee ruling last week which recommended the plans be abandoned, with one member describing them as “ill-conceived.”

Speaking after the meeting RA Councillor for Ewell Court Eber Kington said: “This decision comes despite a council officer describing the potential savings as minimal.

“It is a political decision by the Conservative group to be a flagship for the ‘Big Society’ and it is endangering the future of these vital resources.”

The plans directly affect several libraries in the area including Ewell Court House – whose members spoke to the paper last month lambasting the council’s plans.

Bob Hancock, treasurer at Ewell Court Library, said: “I am very disappointed the council doesn’t think these services are important enough to spend money on.

“It is going to be a real struggle to carry on, but I am still confident we can find a way to run them.

“The volunteers will still need help from professional librarians to organise the stacks.”

Conservative councillor Tim Hall defended the plans, he said: “We will consult with communities and see what they come back with.

“These are some of the smallest libraries in the borough and they are declining so we need to do something.”

The plans, which have a planned saving of £1m a year, will give libraries six months to organise volunteers or face closure.

Lib Dem Leader on Surrey County Council, Cllr Hazel Watson, added: “The Conservative Cabinet has failed to listen to the many local residents who have raised their concerns. They have ignored the wishes and needs of local communities.

“Many of Surrey’s towns and villages will not have a library within a reasonable distance, or accessible by public transport.”