Tudor Drive Library has been saved from closure after residents, councillors, authors, an MP and even prisoners forced the council into a dramatic u-turn.

The decision came at a Lib Dem meeting late on Monday. Council leader Derek Osbourne said he was very surprised by the level of response to the proposed closure. He said: "We've listened to the public concerns. Elderly pensioners use it and young people use the library as a resource."

He said the savings would be found by not filling one vacant post and using money from other areas the budget.

Resident, parent and campaigner, Frances Rivers, said one of her children has had a library card since the age of one. Along with 200 people she staged a demonstration on Friday outside the library. She said: "It shows how much local community cares. If we had done nothing it would have closed."

Councillor David Cunningham said it was a victory for the community. He said: "This is a victory for local residents. It's they who should get the credit not the Lib Dems. We had over 1,600 residents sign a petition to keep it open and 130 serving prisoners from Latchmere House open prison, who use the facility, also signed it."

Susan Kramer, MP for Richmond Park, met with Mr Osbourne on Friday. She said: "I am glad Tudor Library will not face closure and that the council is listening to the strength of opinion about it. There is tremendous support for it in the local community."

Last week children's writer Jacqueline Wilson had also given her support. She said: "I think it would be a great shame if the plan to close Tudor Drive Library goes ahead. I know Kingston Library Service does a wonderful job in difficult financial circumstances, providing books and information to a wide range of people. But I know how valued Tudor Drive Library is by the local community."