MP welcomes court's decision over "unlawful" library closure plans (From This is The West Country)

MP welcomes court's decision over "unlawful" library closure plans

2:24pm Wednesday 16th November 2011 in News By Steve Sowden

YEOVIL MP David Laws has welcomed today’s court decision that Somerset County Council’s plans to shut libraries, including the one in South Petherton, are unlawful.

The ruling found as unlawful the council’s decision to close libraries, as a result of its failure to consult sufficiently with local residents.

Today’s ruling is the result of a protracted legal fight against Somerset and Gloucestershire County Councils in the courts, led by a strong and vocal local campaign.

Mr Laws said: “Today’s announcement is to be welcomed and is a huge boost to the people of South Petherton and elsewhere in Somerset who rely on and value libraries.

“Our local libraries are an important public service, particularly for those who don’t have access to transport.

“This is a real blow to Conservative controlled Somerset County Council. The council will need to reconsider its plans and consult more widely with local library users.”

Mr Laws added: “We now need to talk to the council so that we have a proper consideration of what could be done to keep South Petherton Library open.”