COUNTY bosses last night snubbed Highbridge Library as they performed a u-turn on plans to close 20 libraries across Somerset.

Somerset County Council is proposing saving nine libraries which were previously threatened with closure, and have granted five others an extra year to arrange a community takeover.

Highbridge's library, based at Alpha House, was not included in the plans however.

The news has not gone well in the town today.

Local MP Tessa Munt said: "Highbridge needs a library most of all, especially with so many new families moving in here.

"We also need to look at which services can be shared in the community.

"I will carry on campaigning to save the library."

Pam Lyes, of Market Terrace, said: "My grandchildren regularly use the library and they are going to be deprived of it."

And Highbridge ward councillor Chris Williams added: "I am very disappointed, but not surprised.

"I think there is a little bit of political manoeuvring going on."

Somerset County Council leader Ken Maddock said: “We have listened to what people said and put our residents’ views at the heart of our decision making.

“We carried out a hugely effective public consultation and the overwhelming message was that people understood the savings needed but wanted us to spread the cuts more evenly – that’s what we’re looking to do.”

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