New plans 'could save Somerset libraries' from closure

The fate of 19 other libraries earmarked for closure is not known

Campaigners against the closure of a Somerset library are celebrating after the county council told them it was looking at new plans to keep it.

Residents in Wiveliscombe had been due to stage a protest on Saturday against their library closing, but instead they were celebrating.

The BBC understands the council is set to consider a revised proposal which would see some libraries stay open.

Twenty libraries had been earmarked for closure in a bid to save £1.4m.

The council has not confirmed or denied what will happen to Wiveliscombe library.

'Silly grin'

Under the new proposals, Wiveliscombe Library would open three days a week instead of four but would keep its librarian, said Kay Hoskins, chairwoman of Friends of Wiveliscombe Library.

She said she was told the news on Friday night.

"It's wonderful. The library is the heart of the community," she said.

"If they removed our library from Wiveliscombe the community would have died.

"I'm overjoyed, I can't believe it, I've got a silly grin on my face."

Local Councillor Tony McMahon said he did not want to comment until Tuesday when the new draft proposals are published.

Ms Hoskins said their success would give hope to campaigners to save libraries elsewhere.

Councillors would then vote on which proposal to approve.

Celebrities including Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis are making a campaign film against the closure of libraries in Somerset.