WEST Somerset libraries threatened with closure under Somerset County Council cuts had their reprieve confirmed this week.

Libraries in Porlock, Watchet, Bishops Lydeard and Nether Stowey have had their funding formally reinstated as the authority complies with a High Court ruling that quashed the original cutbacks.

The key decision was taken by cabinet member for community services Cllr Christine Lawrence, although she had little choice but to approve the recommendations contained in a report by senior council manager David Dick.

In addition to the threat of closure being lifted from a total of 11 libraries across the county, Cllr Lawrence also confirmed an investment of £600,000 in equipment that will enable library users to 'self serve' when checking books and other items into and out of Somerset's busiest libraries, including Minehead.

The decision also approved the reinstatement of opening hours in 23 libraries and the reintroduction of four discontinued mobile libraries.

But Cllr Lawrence warned that the future shape and funding of the library service would come under a review which will put all the council's services under the spotlight and that will get underway in April.

"The investment in self-service technology will help modernise the library service in Somerset," she said.

"However, given the extreme financial pressures all council services are under, we still need to consider the future funding and shape of libraries and this decision sets out the process by which that can happen."

The council was taken to judicial review by opponents of the previously planned library closures and cutbacks, with the High Court ruling that the authority had failed to fully consider the impact on vulnerable and minority groups.

It has since been forced to call in experts to guide it after the court found it had breached its equality duties, making the cutbacks unlawful.