THE future of Watchet Library has been secured after an important step forward in the takeover plan.

Watchet Town Council is entering into a Community Library Partnership (CLP) with Somerset County Council (SCC) after SCC announced it was reducing funding for libraries across the county and many were at risk of closure unless volunteers step in.

The building's freehold was owned by West Somerset Council, but it has now been transferred to WTC after pressure from town councillors.

Watchet mayor, cllr John Irven, told SCC at a council meeting in December the town council 'required' the freehold, and without it, WSC could be 'causing the closure' of the beloved library.

During the December scrutiny meeting, Cllr Irven explained how the building, in The Esplanade, had been gifted to Watchet Urban District Council to be held 'for the people of Watchet', but the asset was moved to WSC in 1974.

WSC believed the library could still run if the district authority retained the freehold, but in a U-turn move, the council has given up the building to WTC.

READ MORE: Dispute over transfer of Watchet Library

The council said the transfer of the freehold to WTC was the 'most appropriate' way of enabling the library service to continue.

Cllr Martin Dewdney, cabinet member for resources and central support for WSC, said: “We are pleased that through this transfer, WSC can support SCC and WTC in securing the long term future of a much valued community service.”

Detailed terms will be finalised by WSC’s asset management team in consultation with Cllr Dewdney, SCC and WTC.

Cllr John Irven said the town council can move forward with plans for the library following WSC's decision. 

"We are very pleased," he said. "We insisted upon having the freehold as a condition of us setting up the CLP.

"The council initially refused but it was pointed out the building was held in trust. 

"I am pleased the leaders of the councils, Anthony Trollope-Bellew and John Williams, intervened, which now means we will be setting up the CLP."

Cllr Irven said the town council received letters of support from the family of the Leonard Laity Stoate Charitable Trust, which firmed up claims the council only held the buldings in trust. 

Cllr Irven added: "They have looked at all the documentation and now we will work with Somerset County Council to ensure the library's future."