Highbridge Library 'saved' from closure by volunteers

A library in Somerset which was threatened with closure may have secured its future.

Highbridge town councillors say they have struck a deal with the county council to see community volunteers take over the running of it.

It was one of 10 libraries which had been earmarked by the Conservative-run county council to lose its funding.

The county council said a deal had not been finalised and that it was "delighted at the enthusiasm" shown.

More than 20 people have come forward wanting to volunteer to run the library.

Derek Cooper, of the town council, said: "We're only a little town and we seem to lose so many things and we're desperate to keep the town alive so there was a lot of strong feeling about it.

"Highbridge is a town which doesn't just complain, it does something about it which they've done and we're very proud of it."

Mr Cooper is not standing for re-election to the town council next month.