AS research scientists resident in Wirral and working in Birkenhead, at the Astrophysics Research Institute, Liverpool John Moores University (though writing in a personal capacity), we are deeply concerned with the cabinet decision to close many of the county borough libraries.

We are fully aware of all the alternative means of accessing information in the internet era and yet we believe most strongly that libraries are vital for inspiring a passion for learning as well as for the early development of crucial research and information gathering skills.

The proposed highly centralised facilities will exclude many people, especially the youngest ones, and will deny them the opportunity to develop a love of reading - which, for many, begins in libraries - and the development of concentration skills that can only be attained through the use of books.

Such a love of reading underpins the success of any National Literacy Strategy.

More broadly, libraries transcend generations and social class and therefore represent the heart of any healthy community.

The proposed closure of local libraries and community centres will rip out the hearts of many of the communities that may be facing particularly grim challenges in the coming months of recession.

We therefore urge everyone concerned with the cabinet decision to write to your local councillors, the council leader and MP - as we have - demanding that the cabinet decision from January 16 be rejected by the council.

Dr David Bersier, Prof. David Carter, Prof. Chris Collins, Dr Witold Maciejewski, Dr Mustapha Mouhcine, Dr Andrew Newsam, Ms Victoria Scowcroft, Dr Chris Simpson, via email