PLANS to close the historic Hove Library were last night approved by councillors despite a fierce opposition from campaigners.

At tonight’s ongoing Brighton and Hove City Council meeting, members voted in favour of the Libraries Plan 2016-2020 which means the closure and sale of the grade II listed Carnegie building in Church Road.

In total 23 voted for, 17 against, while 10 abstained.

The plan was heavily criticised and was opposed by campaigners with a petition signed by more than 4000 people appealing for the site to be spared the axe.

Library services will be transferred to the nearby Hove Museum as part of a major review into the city’s libraries services.