High Court hears judicial review over library closure consultation

A High Court judge is this week hearing a judicial review challenge to Darlington Borough Council’s plans to close a library in Crown Street.

The case is being heard by Mrs Justice Whipple in the Administrative Court in Leeds on 18-19 June.

The Friends of Darlington Libraries said its legal team would be challenging the validity of the council’s consultation after the announcement of the proposed changes in the spring of 2016.

The council intends to move the library into the town’s Dolphin Centre.

In a statement on the Friends of Darlington Libararies’ Facebook page, Sheila Harris said: “We are confident that we have a good case and are certain that we have the backing of the overwhelming majority of Darlington residents.”

Permission for the judicial review challenge was given by King J in December 2017.