A friends group claims it has been “left in the dark” over plans to refurbish a library.

The Marcus Garvey Library, on Phillip Lane, Tottenham, is set to shut this weekend for six months whilst it undergoes £3million worth of refurbishments.

However, despite plans being agreed, Friends of the Marcus Garvey Library are outraged by the lack of public consultation and so far, their online petition has seen almost 2,000 signatures in support of their campaign.

The group will have its final library meeting this Saturday before the library closes the following day and the group are hoping to gain a big following to demonstrate the discontent felt by many in the area.

Florian Peschelt, of Friends of Marcus Garvey library told the Haringey Independent that final plans have still yet to be agreed and that there is major concern amongst residents.

He said: “Our biggest concern is it has been rushed through with no impact assessment made, and that eve now plans are still being changed.

“This is a library which is held very closely to the residents in the area but we have been kept in the dark on what it is going to look like.”

Despite council assurances that there will be no space lost, the library is set to share its premises with a customer services on the first floor which the friends group believe will see space lost.

Tottenham MP and London Mayoral candidate David Lammy has spoken publically in support of the library and stated he was “not satisfied” by plans made by the council.

He said “I have spoken to Council Leader Claire Kober, but I am still not satisfied that the concerns of the local community have been adequately addressed.

“Given the level of disquiet in the local community about the proposals for Marcus Garvey Library, the Council should seriously think again about closing it on 30 August.”

Mr Peschelt also called for the council to provide enough temporary services for the library, in its six month closure.

He said: “The council needs to provide replacement arrangements on or near the premises of the library, it’s the closest one to many people for miles.

“The council must seek to improve its public consultation, we fear our library could suffer without it and we are currently seeking legal advice on the matter.”

A Haringey Council spokesperson said: “We are investing £3million into refurbishing and making extra services available at Marcus Garvey Library. When finished, the new-look library will be brighter and more modern, with updated equipment and facilities and a much-improved layout.

“Residents will also be able to access more services, such as buying parking permits, applying for benefits or getting information about a council service, alongside the full range of usual library facilities.

“By making better use of the existing space, we have ensured that none of the existing library facilities will be lost.

“We are also ensuring that any services offered at the library are available at locations nearby while it is closed for refurbishment. We look forward to continuing to work closely with all library users and Friends Groups as we work towards developing a better and brighter Marcus Garvey Library.”