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Bristol's libraries get temporary reprieve from closure

A decision on library closures was due to be made next month Photo: ITV News West Country

Libraries in Bristol have been given a temporary reprieve from closure by the city council. A decision on whether to close 17 out of 27 libraries was due to be made at a Cabinet meeting on December 4th.

The reprieve follows a public consultation which showed overwhelming opposition to the proposals. The city council says it's now looking at other options, including whether the library service could be run as a trust or by business.

A final decision is not expected until the end of a further review covering these options, which is expected to take four months. The costs of keeping the libraries open will be covered by reserve funds. More background to this story here.

“We appreciate this is a very difficult situation, and I would like to thank everyone who has taken part in the consultation, and put forward ideas and suggestions. “At this stage, nothing is off the table, but it is right for us to wait until the outcome of this review before making a final decision.”

– Cllr Asher Craig, Deputy Mayor