PEOPLE in Somerset are being asked to help raise money to fund a legal challenge to keep the county's libraries open.

Watchet library user Rebecca Hird is challenging Somerset County Council to reverse plans to close several libraries as part of their cost cutting measures.

The Public Interest Lawyers who are representing Ms Hird say the Legal Services Commission have agreed in principle to fund her through legal aid, so the challenge can proceed on behalf of the county.

But, because the community would benefit if she wins her case, the commission can ask for contributions from them, in addition to the funding they would provide.

Kay Hoskins, Chair of Friends of Somerset Library is asking people and organisations to pledge a sum of money to cover the legal costs.

She said: “This will give a strong message to the commission of the commitment from all of Somerset - we want to save all our libraries, both fixed and mobile.”

The lawyers' best estimate is that the commission may seek up to £5,000.

If individuals or campaign groups fall short of the amount they have committed to raise, they will not be liable for the shortfall.

Ms Hoskins added: “If the legal challenge fails, or does not proceed due to lack of funding, the future looks bleak for the county's libraries.

“The courts have the power to stop the council's plans in their tracks.”

At a meeting last week the county agreed to withdraw funding from Porlock and Watchet's libraries from October this year, and from Priorswood Library in Taunton from April 2012.

Pledges can be e-mailed to: watchetlibraryfriends@hotmail.co.uk

LIBRARIES LEGAL CHALLENGE EXPLAINED.

What is the basis of the legal challenge?

The challenge being mounted states the council is breaching a 1964 law obliging it to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service.

They also say the council is not meeting its equality duties and failed to properly consult people about the changes.

What happens to libraries if the case is won?

If the case is won based on the 1964 law, the libraries will be saved.

If the win is based on insufficient consultations then the council will have to hold another consultation and this time show they had listened to people in Somerset were telling them.

What happens to the money if the case is won?

The council is likely to be liable to pay the legal costs. If this happened, then subject to any shortfall between actual costs and costs recovered, the money would be returned to those who made contributions, if they register their details with Friends of Somerset Libraries.

What happens if the case is lost?

The money paid towards legal bills will be retained. Because of the commission's involvement in the case, they will pay the council's legal costs.

How long is the case likely to be?

It is expected to take three months.

What are the chances of winning?

Rabinder Singh QC, an eminent barrister, says the case is more likely to be won than be lost.

A four-lawyer panel at the Legal Services Commission agreed there was a good enough chance of winning to warrant funding.