Library closures were unlawful, says High Court judge (UK)

A decision which could see 21 libraries close in Somerset and Gloucestershire has been ruled "unlawful". Somerset County Council wanted to withdraw funding for 11 libraries and Gloucestershire County Council wanted to stop funding 10 libraries. At the High Court, Judge Martin McKenna said the closures did not comply with "public sector equality duties" owed to vulnerable social groups. These include the elderly, disabled, single mothers and children. The decision means the closure plans have been reversed. Campaigners began the legal action after the two authorities announced plans to cut costs