Three Somerset libraries set to stay open

Three out of six libraries due to lose funding from Somerset County Council in three months are set to stay open.

Six libraries in the county will have their funding stopped from 1 October and another five will have their funding stopped from next April.

Volunteers have stepped in to pay for and run libraries in Bishops Lydeard, Bruton and Porlock.

The Conservative-led council aims to save 25%, or £1.35m of the library budget.

Sunningdale Library in Yeovil is due to close, while plans are still being worked out for Watchet and Highbridge libraries.

Community groups could apply for up to £5,000 each to help them put together proposals to the council, which is offering support and advice.

Tony Moore will be the volunteer manager of Bishop's Lydeard library when it loses its council funding in October.

He said his role would involve organising a rota of volunteers to man the front desk, issue and receive books, and deal with inquiries.

Opening hours will be reduced for the remaining 23 libraries in the county from October.