CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save libraries in Gloucestershire are claiming victory after a High Court ruling.
His Honour Judge McKenna ruled today, November 16 that the massive cuts to library provision in Gloucestershire, and neighbouring Somerset, were unlawful.
Gloucestershire County Council planned to close 10 libraries in the county and make major changes to library services at the remaining outlets in order to save £114million by 2014.
The authority was also to cut the mobile library service – a lifeline to isolated communities.
Cllr Mark Hawthorne, leader of Gloucestershire County Council, said the authority would go back to the drawing board.
He said: "The most important thing here is that the judge that there is nothing wrong with our plans to transfer some libraries over to communities.
"We very disappointed for the community groups who are lined up to take over their services, but our promise to them is that we will continue to work with them on delivering successful community run services.
"In line with the judge’s ruling, we will be taking this decision again with an open mind but we are confident that our police on community run libraries is sound."
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