Ilminster Town Council backed calls to save library (From Chard & Ilminster News)

Ilminster Town Council backed calls to save library

5:10pm Tuesday 25th January 2011 in News By Jamie Brooks

ILMINSTER Town Council backed calls from a number of members of the community to save their library before last night's announcement.

The library was under threat as one of 20 Somerset County Council libraries due to have their funding cut.

But hundreds of signatures were recorded on a save the library petition and councillors received a number of e-mails campaigning to keep the library open.

The town council unanimously agreed to support the community in the effort to keep Ilminster Library open.

Mayor of Ilminster Cllr Richard Beardon said: “I feel it would be better to make a reduction in all libraries and we should reject the proposals as strongly as we can.”

Cllr Mike Henly also pointed out that it might cost more to keep open than the £10 increase on council tax quoted in the January 12 edition of the News.

Cllr Henly said: “I think the running costs are likely to be higher as several items not included. We have to convince the county council the library has to remain but has to remain in their system.”

Councillors also confirmed they were waiting for replies from the county council on the legality of the closure, as the library was originally donated to the town as a reading room.

Somerset County Council will still meet to discuss future of the library service in a cabinet meeting on February 2.