FIERCE opposition has been mounted by people in West Somerset against the proposed cut backs to library services in the area.

The consultation period for people to give their views is tomorrow (Friday).

Councillors in Williton are against the proposed move of the village’s library from its purpose built home in Killick Way.

Williton and Minehead’s libraries both face a 10% reduction in funding from Somerset County Council.

The cutbacks mean libraries in Porlock, Watchet and Dulverton all face being axed unless volunteers come forward to run them.

Willition Parish Council Chairman Cllr Rosemary Woods said: “We would like to keep the library where it is in a purpose built facility but it could be used in other ways as well to make it more useful.”

She proposed using the library for meetings and exhibitions as well.

She said the library is well used by children after school to do their home work and for its computers.

Angela Palmer, West Somerset District Councillor for Porlock said: “I think it is very sad that we are likely to lose our library and we will do everything in our power to stop it. ”We are a very much a retired community and we need this facility.”

She said a parish council meeting this week is discussing the community running the library.

Watchet Town Council Chairman Sally de Renzy-Martin said their library was well used and a vital information point.

At a meeting in Wiveliscombe on Friday protestors raised concerns about the changes.

Councillor Keith Ross from Dulverton said: “It will take all day to get to Taunton and back by public transport, could you not reduce the hours in the hub libraries and give the time to small libraries?”