CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save 11 Somerset libraries from closure remain upbeat about their hopes of success despite the failure of a High Court action to secure the future of six libraries under threat in North West London.

In what was seen as a test case for campaign groups across the country, Brent Council's decision to shut half of its 12 libraries was upheld at a hearing last Thursday.

Brent SOS Libraries had sought a judicial review, arguing the decision was flawed as it failed to assess local needs and the impact of the closures.

But Mr Justice Ouseley ruled there was no evidence to support the serious allegations made against the council.

Campaigners subsequently won the right to appeal the decision, which is due to be heard in November, and on Wednesday were granted an injunction preventing any closures pending the hearing.

The battle to save Somerset's threatened libraries - including Watchet and Porlock - went to the High Court at the end of September in a three-day joint hearing with Gloucester.

Watchet library user Rebecca Hird is being used as a test case in the Somerset action, the result of which is still awaited.

John Irven, a member of the Watchet Library Friends, which has been helping co-ordinate an appeal to raise at least £9,000 to cover the community share of the legal costs, admitted the Brent result was disappointing.

"But we are not disheartened by, nor despondent about it," he said.

"The judge specifically remarked that he did not believe the ruling in Brent had wider significance across the country but instead reflected a judgement purely on how Brent Council had approached its local situation.

"Our Somerset case is based on key differences in the flawed way we have argued consultation and equalities issues were dealt with, leading to a failure to deliver a comprehensive and efficient library service as required under the 1964 Act.

"And we still believe the arguments presented in the Somerset case will help lead towards a positive outcome."

Mr Irven said that whilst the verdict on the Somerset and Gloucester cases was awaited, representatives from Watchet and across Somerset would be attending a national conference, Voices for the Library, in London tomorrow (Saturday).

"Campaigners from across the whole country will be getting together to share experiences and express mutual support as campaigns continue unabated," said Mr Irven.