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Council’s precarious finances means two libraries likely to close
Thousands of people have had their say on which village library should be saved from North Somerset Council’s cuts.
The cash-strapped council decided in 2024 to cut its libraries budget by a fifth to save £433,000 a year.
While the money would partially come from cutting hours across the libraries service, libraries in Pill, Winscombe and Worle face losing their funding outright.
But the council said one library could be saved if more cuts were made elsewhere.
In a public consultation, people were asked to choose between option A, B or C: to axe funding for both, to save Pill library or to save Winscombe library.
No option to save Worle library was included as the council warned the building had “extensive wet rot and damp” which it could not afford to repair.
Almost 5,000 people responded to the consultation, including 500 youngsters who filled out the children’s survey.
The council also received letters from pupils of two classes at Winscombe Primary School and a letter from Weston-super-Mare MP, Dan Aldridge.
A campaign group formed in 2025 to help keep Pill library open – photo: Friends of Pill Library
According to the recently published consultation results, option B to save Pill library was supported by 48 per cent of people who responded to the consultation, while 45 per cent said they agreed with option A to continue with cutting funding to both Pill and Winscombe.
Forty-one per cent preferred option C to save Winscombe library and about 1000 people who responded to the consultation did not provide their response to any of the options.
Recommendations taking into account equalities impact assessments will go to North Somerset’s cabinet members and a meeting of the full council in February.
Libraries which lose their council funding would not necessarily close outright.
North Somerset Council has said it would look at transferring libraries to be run by community groups and remaining a part of the library system, and only closing them if no group took them over; with Congresbury’s library run by a community group since 2012.
North Somerset cabinet member for culture, community services & safety, Mike Solomon, said: “Our financial situation means difficult conversations and decisions need to be made.
“We have heard clearly how much our libraries mean to communities, and that people want us to find creative, inclusive and future-focused solutions.
“This feedback will help shape our recommended next steps.
“We know that our future library service needs to be fair, accessible and future proof whilst continuing to fulfil our statutory duty of providing a comprehensive and efficient library service.
“Together with community groups, we will ensure our libraries remain vibrant, welcoming and responsive now and into the years ahead.”
Main photo: Friends of Pill Library
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