Libraries ‘are a lifeline that must be kept funded'

SARAH Dyke, MP for Glastonbury and Somerton, has called for funding for local libraries to be prioritised.

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Her appeal came as other MPs issued stark warnings about the fragility of the UK's public library system, particularly in rural areas, during a Westminster Hall debate on Wednesday, May 14.

Ms Dyke noted that Somerset's library system had recently been recognised in an independent review as an example of national best practice. But even so, many of its services, particularly the mobile libraries serving villages like Penselwood, Beercrocombe and Baltonsborough, are under pressure.

Ms Dyke blamed years of underinvestment by Somerset's former Conservative-led council for putting vital community facilities at risk, pointing to “spiralling costs” and increasing financial strain on local authorities.

She called on the government to prioritise local government funding to prevent further deterioration.