FOLLOW long negotiations, it has been agreed that North Petherton Library will retain its current level of service and opening hours.

It took several meetings between County Council officials and members of North Petherton Town Council to reach the agreement, but Cllr Bill Revans said he was delighted with the outcome.

Cllr Revans said: “It is brilliant that we have been able to reach an agreement with Somerset County Council that will maintain the opening hours of North Petherton library.

"The Town Council has been determined to keep the library open for the community to use. Many of our most vulnerable local residents are unable to access the libraries further away.

"I have always been impressed with the fantastic work the library does to support our children with learning, from the story time for toddlers, support for homework after school and the amazing Summer reading scheme.

"The library will also now act as an information hub for the Town Council, in return for our financial support."

Cllr Alan Bradford, mayor of North Petherton added: “Town and parish councils have an increasingly important role to play in protecting key local services at a time when principal authorities are looking to make cuts wherever they can.

"I am very pleased that, by working with the County Council, we have managed to secure the future of a vital facility.”