Bemused residents have spoken out against the potential axing of two Fulham libraries, discussed in a secret council 'brainstorming' meeting.

Hammersmith and Fulham Council has discussed closing Baron's Court Library, in North End road, and Sands End Library, in Broughton Road, to save £145,000 annually. The potential closures would be part of an attempt to balance the council's budget, after planned council tax cuts.

Mother-of-three Sabae Hassan, 27, of Glenrosa Street, regularly attends Sands End Library with sons Leeban, eight, Salim, seven and two-year-old Hamza. She said: "I am against it. It is such a nice library with many useful things. I use it for my own education as well as my children. We come to Sands End library at least three times a week. I would rather not have the tax cut if it meant keeping the library open."

Antonia Benaroyo, 40, of Perham Road is a business management student and member of Baron's Court Library. She said: "I need the library open. It's the only thing I use in the area. I don't care about the tax reduction, the library is more important."

Geoffrey Kavanagh, 40, of Gunterstone Road, works in the hotel industry. He said: "I totally disagree with it. If anything, there's not enough libraries in the area. It will be a tragedy if they close down. There are children who will be affected more than me which is more of a loss to the community.""

Zlatka Cakalik, 37, of Northern Road, said: "I would rather the library stayed open. I don't use Baron's Court Library much but I find it useful, especially the internet, but it will affect me a little because it is convenient."