COUNCIL bosses have been accused of putting a "gun to the head of Upper Norwood Joint Library" and leaving it in danger of closing.

The library, in Westow Hill, is unique in that it is currently funded by two local authorities – Tory-controlled Croydon and Labour-controlled Lambeth.

But fears have been raised over the future of the 111-year-old facility after Croydon Council terminated its joint agreement with Lambeth.

Funding is secured until the end of March next year, but it remains unclear what will happen after then.

The decision has been made by Croydon Council leader Mike Fisher, with the reason being cited as Lambeth's "fundamental breach of the terms of the agreement".

With the library part of Lambeth borough, Lambeth Council must now decide whether it wants to take the facility on as part of its library service.

Croydon's Labour leader, Councillor Tony Newman, said: "Councillor Fisher is holding a gun to the head of the UNJL (Upper Norwood Joint Library) and holding every library in Croydon hostage.

"He seems to be prepared to see the UNJL's future threatened and is hell bent on selling off all of Croydon's libraries."

Mike Warwick, a member of the Crystal Palace Community Association, said: "Local people are enraged at the actions of Croydon. The staff are very concerned about their futures – these are dedicated people."

Croydon Council says the breach has been caused by Lambeth refusing to attend the last annual general meeting of the UNJL – which was set up by both councils to manage the library, and "failing to cooperate" at the 2010 meeting.

And it claims Lambeth continues to insist on Croydon appointing Upper Norwood councillors to the managing committee, even though the council has been advised that this would be illegal under current government legislation.

Mr Fisher has insisted he will only appoint cabinet members to the committee.

Councillor Sara Bashford, cabinet member for customer services, culture and sport, said: "We have a responsibility to our residents to spend their money prudently and within the letter of the law, and with Lambeth boycotting its management role, this is impossible."

Lambeth Council wants Croydon to reconsider its position and has been seeking urgent talks.

Councillor Florence Nosegbe, Lambeth's cabinet member for culture, said: "It goes without saying that we are extremely disappointed that Croydon has attempted to dissolve this partnership which has come without prior warning or consultation.

"Their public statement can only serve to threaten the future of the library.

"Lambeth remains committed to the Upper Norwood Joint Library and keeping our side of the arrangement."