Worle Library “highly likely” to close under council cuts

Three libraries in North Somerset, including Worle are earmarked to be closed as North Somerset Council faces significant cuts to its libraries budget.

The council has said it is ‘highly likely’ that Worle, Pill and Winscombe Library will all be closed as a result of the cuts announced. At the same time, opening hours would be shortened at the council’s other libraries and money for new books reduced as the council cuts its spending on libraries by a fifth.

Either Pill or Winscombe library could still be saved, if the council makes further than planned cuts to its spending and ceases to open the library located in the Bournville’s Healthy Living Centre on Monday’s.

However the busiest of all three libraries, the one located in Worle is scheduled to close regardless of any changes to the plans elsewhere.

Councillors voted in February to cut £433k from the libraries budget as the council tries to make £44m of savings across the next three years to balance its budget. They will vote in February 2026 on the specific actions to achieve that cut, which could be implemented between summer 2026 and September 2028.

Liberal Democrat Councillor, Cllr Mike Solomon who is the cabinet member for culture, leisure and outdoor spaces said in comments to Somerset Live; “We know and recognise that our libraries are very much loved and at the heart of communities. That’s why we are keen to ensure that North Somerset’s future library service is fair, accessible and future proof whilst continuing to fulfil our statutory duty of providing a ‘comprehensive and efficient’ library service. It needs to meet the changing needs of local communities whilst achieving our agreed £433K savings target.”

The council is asking people to have their say in a public consultation on the proposals. Cllr Solomon said: “We want everyone to have their say and complete the consultation, which is open from now until noon Friday 24 October.”

He added: “By responding to the consultation, residents can inform the council of their needs and how best these needs can be met within the resources available. Your feedback will help us to meet these duties whilst delivering services in new, sustainable ways so please complete the consultation online or request a paper copy by emailing libraries.review@n-somerset.gov.uk.”