MOBILE library routes around Burnham and Highbridge and surrounding villages are set to be cut to help Somerset County Council save £500,000.
Cutbacks are in line for various routes around Brent Knoll and East and West Huntspill where there is a library building at Burnham or Highbridge less than three miles away.
Information sessions will be held across the county giving people the opportunity to learn more about the proposed changes and what they will mean for their local library.
Under the proposals some stops will be axed altogether from August 2015 and others merged.
Stops that could be scrapped include nine serving Brent Knoll: ‘Brent Street no. 137’, Burton Row, East Ride, Ham Farm, Lympsham Road Junction, Old Post Office, Post Office, Red Cow and Shrub Farm.
District councillor, Bob Filmer, who is also a Brent Knoll parish councillor, said he had heard rumours about the proposed cuts and added: “If this takes place it will be a real blow to the village as I know a lot of people who use this mobile library service. We as a village are being hit hard at the moment as we also stand to lose out with the axing of the 102 bus service.”
Stops serving West Huntspill which are due to be axed are Caramia Park, New Road Post Box, Ringstone no. 90, Plymor Grove Road and Sloway Lane. The East Huntspill stop, Nut Tree Close, is also set to be dropped under the proposals.
Cllr David Hall, cabinet member with responsibility for libraries, said: “I encourage everyone in Somerset to complete the questionnaire that will be available online or from your local library to make sure your voice is heard about the proposed changes to library services.
“These proposals would enable us to continue to provide a high quality library service, whilst potentially saving the council nearly £500,000.
“Library buildings will remain open for all to enjoy, but as can be seen, there are still tough decisions to make.
“We are keen to hear your views which will help shape our final way forward.”
Feedback from the consultation, open until January 11, will be used to create a final set of proposals to take to Somerset County Council’s Cabinet meeting in February when a final decision on the way forward is expected to be made.
To take part, the proposals and questionnaire can be accessed online at www.somerset.gov.uk/libraryconsultation or at libraries and mobile libraries or email libraryservicereview@somerset.gov.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article