The proposed closure of Pill Library in North Somerset has been reversed following overwhelming public support, though two other local libraries still face closure. North Somerset Council originally planned to close three libraries as part of a 20% budget reduction to its library services. Almost 5,000 people responded to a public consultation, with the majority backing the campaign to keep Pill Library open.
Despite Pill Library’s reprieve, Winscombe Library and Worle Library remain on the closure list. Winscombe Parish Council is exploring the possibility of transitioning to a community-led library to save the facility, but without an agreed plan, it is set to close by March 2027.
Mike Solomon, the council’s cabinet member for culture, community services, and safety, acknowledged the difficulties this decision presents. “This has not been an easy conversation for councillors, staff, or communities,” Solomon said. “We fully understand the anxiety caused by these proposals. However, the council faces harsh financial realities that require tough decisions.”
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The council is grappling with significant financial challenges, including the prospect of issuing a section 114 notice due to budget shortfalls. It is currently seeking government approval for a council tax rise beyond the usual 4.99% cap to help manage funding pressures. The required £433,000 savings in the library service form part of broader austerity measures.
To keep Pill Library open, the council proposes reducing the hours at the For All Healthy Living Centre’s library by one day per week, alongside cuts to opening hours at other libraries starting September 7. The consultation indicated that saving either Pill or Winscombe Library was possible if further reductions were made elsewhere, but saving both was not feasible.
Pill and Easton-in-Gordano Parish Council highlighted the library’s importance, stating the consultation clearly showed Pill Library is “a vital and valued local service.”
The closure of Worle Library attracted particular controversy due to the deteriorated condition of its century-old premises, which suffers from damp and wet rot. The library was moved from its purpose-built 1960s building into a former school building in 2017 to cut costs.
Local MP Dan Aldridge campaigned vigorously against Worle’s closure, distributing 1,000 leaflets urging community participation in the consultation. Aldridge criticized the consultation for its lack of viable rescue options for Worle’s library, expressing concern that residents might disengage from the process entirely. He met with council leaders, campaigners, and trustees to explore potential solutions and hopes to maintain library services in the area.
Worle Library is scheduled to close on September 7, but the council pledged to continue exploring outreach initiatives based on community needs.
The council’s cabinet will review the recommended cuts on February 14, with a full council decision expected on February 24.
Solomon emphasized the council’s commitment to delivering a “fair, accessible and future-proof” library service. Collaborating with staff and community partners, he vowed to maintain vibrant and welcoming libraries into the future.
The council explained that the savings stem from years of declining government funding combined with rising demand and increasing costs for essential services, especially adult and children’s social care. These financial pressures have created a budget gap that efficiency improvements alone cannot bridge.