Stephen Fry tweets support for Surrey library action group

Fry urged his followers to donate the price of a book to Slam's cause

Actor and broadcaster Stephen Fry has taken to Twitter to back a campaign against plans for some of Surrey's libraries to be run by volunteers.

Fry urged his 3.9 million followers to help Surrey Libraries Action Movement (Slam) "fight the good fight".

Conservative-run Surrey County Council agreed in September to devolve responsibilities to groups of volunteers at 10 libraries.

The High Court has ordered a judicial review of some of the plans.

Fry tweeted: "Do help @surrey_slam fight the good fight for libraries and librarians. Give the price of a book: a fine cause."

'Community libraries'

Slam claims the council's consultation process over the changes was flawed.

The case went to the High Court after it issued legal proceedings.

Following the announcement of the judicial review the authority said it was "disappointed" as the aim of the community library scheme was to try to keep Surrey's 52 libraries open.

It also said it was important to point out the court had "not passed judgement on our plans".

The 10 libraries identified as possible community libraries were Bagshot, Bramley, Byfleet, Ewell Court, Lingfield, New Haw, Stoneleigh, Tattenhams, Virginia Water and Warlingham.

The High Court ruled plans to launch Byfleet library as a community library could go ahead.

The judicial review is due to begin later this month.