COMMUNITIES coming together to save their local libraries will get more financial support than originally planned, after Somerset County Council agreed an extra £154,000 over seven years to help them.

Five libraries in West Somerset, and ten others in the county, are under threat unless local people form a Community Library Partnership, and expressions of interest are due by next Thursday, November 15.

At a meeting of the council’s cabinet on Monday (November 5), the extra money –£22,000 a year – was approved today to help support the Community Library Partnerships, where communities support library buildings in partnership with the county council.

The cabinet also approved the retention of 19 other libraries by the county, including Dulverton, Minehead and Williton.

The five libraries in West Somerset are Porlock, Nether Stowey, Wiveliscombe, Watchet and Bishops Lydeard. Buy tomorrow’s Free Press to find out how they are affected.