A CALL has been made to Somerset County Council demanding action to open the proposed new library in Wiveliscombe as soon as possible.

Taunton MP Jeremy Browne has written to the council complaining that the building remains closed despite £66,300 being spent on refurbishments.

Mr Browne said: “A new public library would be an attractive facility in Wiveliscombe and it’s ideally located in the heart of the town.

“There have been several false starts when the library was supposed to be opening and Wiveliscombe residents are rightly keen to see this facility up and running.

“The amount spent is a lot of public money to waste on a library people can’t use.

“I understand there have been problems resolving the terms of the lease, but greater determination needs to be applied to resolving these difficulties.

“Wiveliscombe’s a community hub in the west of Taunton Deane and attracts regular visitors from its surrounding villages.

“It’s an ideal location for public amenities and I hope the library will open soon.”

A Somerset County Council spokesman said: “We’ve been involved in lengthy negotiations about a new library for Wiveliscombe and look forward to seeing them completed in the very near future.

“Though the existing library is still serving Wiveliscombe people we sincerely apologise that the opening of the new facilities has been delayed.

“We know how keen the local community is to have the new library up and running as soon as possible – that’s also our aim.”