Judge rejects legal challenge to Caerphilly library closures

Ten of Caerphilly council's libraries are set to close after a High Court judge dismissed a legal challenge from campaigners.

The Labour-run council plans to concentrate library services in larger towns, arguing that fewer, bigger sites will be able to offer a wider range of services.

Seven remaining branches would become multi-service community hubs, where residents could continue borrowing books alongside accessing other council services.

The judge rejected campaigners' attempt to halt the changes, although they may still appeal against the ruling.

Libraries in Aberbargoed, Abercarn, Abertridwr, Bedwas, Deri, Llanbradach, Machen, Nelson, Oakdale and Pengam will close under the plans.

Caerphilly councillors backed the re-organisation last year, after the council said it was facing was facing a £29m budget gap over the next three years.

Campaigners opposing the cuts said smaller communities would be hardest hit, warning the closures risk sending them "back to Victorian times".

The council cannot implement the plan during an appeals window, but said it would speak to local groups interested in taking over some of the buildings for community use.

Plaid Cymru Senedd member Lindsay Whittle, who represents the area, said: "I'm very disappointed with the ruling and urge the Labour-run leadership of Caerphilly council to review their previous decision on libraries.

"I have no issues about communities, if they wish, taking over their local library. Good luck to them.

"But a librarian is a skilled role - it's not about just stamping books, handing them out and collecting them back.

"Running a library is a big and responsible job."

Caerphilly council said, in a statement, it had "successfully defended a judicial review into its new library service strategy".

"A High Court judge found in the council's favour and refused permission for the Judicial Review to proceed," the local authority said.

"The claimant now has a period of time to appeal the decision, so the council will await any outcome before considering next steps."

The council said it would "continue to keep the community updated over the coming weeks".