PEOPLE in Ilminster were urging the town council to do everything in its power to keep the library service in the town this week and were rewarded.

At the town council’s finance and policy meeting on Tuesday, the council chamber was once again full with extra seating needed to accommodate the campaigners.

Before the council went into committee a number of members of the public took their chance to air their views on the proposed closure.

Colin Bailey, an Ilminster resident, had brought in detailed statistics of local libraries, finding usage of Ilminster Library was 11% higher in comparison with population than Chard.

Colin added: “The council’s plans to close the library are at best flawed.”

Carole Boole, owner of the Herne Lea Guest House on Station Road suggested that £10 a year extra on council tax would represent good value for the Ilminster community.

Carole said: “If we do lose the library it is highly unlikely we will ever get it back.”

Joe Burlington, a retired home tutor for children, highlighted the importance of using the facility during his career as an environment, which created an atmosphere of learning.

Joe said: “This is also a facility for then poorer part of the population and a very valuable one at that.”

Another speaker Sue Morley said: “I hope the town council will do everything in its power to retain the library.”

At the weekend library users also staged a read in, with 127 people coming through the door and the atmosphere was described as ‘buzzing’.

ARE you an individual or group that uses Ilminster Library? Comment on this story below or e mail newsdesk@chardandilminsternews.co.uk.