Pill library set to be saved as council plans other closures

North Somerset Council proposes keeping Pill Library open after a public consultation that drew almost 5,000 responses, while Winscombe and Worle libraries remain set to close under planned budget cuts.

North Somerset Council is proposing to keep Pill Library open following a public consultation, while two other libraries remain scheduled for closure under planned budget savings. The council had proposed closing three libraries as it reduced its libraries budget by one fifth. Almost 5,000 people responded to the consultation and keeping Pill was the most popular option. Winscombe and Worle libraries are still facing closure under the current recommendations. What is known: - Pill Library is recommended to remain open after the consultation, supported by 48% of respondents. - Nearly 5,000 people responded to the council's public consultation. - Winscombe Parish Council is exploring a community-led option; if no plan is agreed, Winscombe Library would close at the end of March 2027. - Worle Library is set to close on 7 September, with the council citing significant costs from an ageing building affected by wet rot and damp. - The council cut £433,000 from the libraries budget as part of wider savings in last year's budget. - The recommended changes will be considered by the council cabinet on 14 February, with a full council decision scheduled for 24 February. Summary: Keeping Pill Library was the most supported outcome in the consultation and would be implemented alongside reduced hours at some other sites from 7 September. The council says the proposals respond to wider financial pressures; cabinet will review the recommendations on 14 February and the full council will decide on 24 February. Outcomes for community-led plans in Winscombe and for longer-term options in Worle remain undetermined.