Devon's mobile library services given a reprieve

The mobile service was axed back in July

Devon’s mobile library services have been given a reprieve.

The cabinet of Devon County Council voted to axe the service in July but they have been told to think again before taking the books-on-wheels service off the road for good.

Stephen Fry, Michael Rosen, and Michael Morpurgo are among the high-profile writers who backed a campaign to save the service with nearly 9,000 people signing a petition.

Now members of a Devon County Council scrutiny committee have voted to send the decision back for a re-think.

The council’s cabinet previously said it would not be cost-effective to replace its four ageing mobile library vans, after hearing the vehicles were nearing the end of their serviceable lives and would cost up to £800,000 to replace.

But the decision was called in for a second debate amid a public campaign to save the mobile service, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

After a series of votes on amendments, members eventually agreed to send the matter back to the cabinet, asking it to reconsider its decision to axe the libraries.

Cabinet members will be asked to get  precise figures on leasing rather than buying new vehicles, and reducing costs through crowdfunding or sponsorship.

They will also be asked to make sure alternative provision of library services is in place before any services are taken away.