Desborough Library Closure Plan ‘Unlawful’

Campaigners are celebrating after a decision to close Desborough Library was deemed unlawful by a High Court judge.

It follows a Judicial Review which has ruled in favour of a young girl from the town and her family, who challenged Northamptonshire County Council’s move to shut it and 20 others as part of cost-cutting.

The judgement – released today – says the authority failed to properly consider whether it would operate a comprehensive and efficient library service after the closures had taken place, as well as the effect it would have on childrens centres based in many, like Desborough.

Given the Council’s poor financial position, the judge has allowed time for the parties to consider which decisions should be quashed and they’ll now be a further hearing.

County council leader Cllr Matthew Golby said: “We are considering today’s judgement very carefully.

“We are pleased that the Judge has recognised that the council’s public consultation and equality impact assessments were indeed lawful, and that she acknowledges the severity of the council’s financial challenge.

“As we announced earlier this month, we had already made a decision to pause the proposed changes to the local library service for further consideration and are continuing to work closely with community groups, partners and interested parties within the wider context of the council’s budget recovery programme.

“The Judge has noted that the county council is continuing these discussions with the community groups. In light of this, she has instructed that the legal parties use their best endeavours to agree all outstanding issues.

“The county council is committed to finding a way forward that is satisfactory and achievable for all parties.”