High Court judge gives permission for latest challenge to library closure

The High Court has given permission for a judicial review challenge to a local authority’s decision to relocate a library.

Campaigners from the Church Stretton Library Support Group claim that the consultation process run by Shropshire Council was unfair and unlawful.

A High Court judge gave permission for their claim on the papers.

According to Doughty Street Chambers, the judge also gave interim relief preventing Shropshire from taking any further steps towards the closure and relocation of the library from Church Stretton town centre to a school on the outskirts of the town.

A full hearing is now expected to take place in October or November this year.

Nicholas Bowen QC and Graeme Hall of Doughty Street are acting for the support group, instructed by Michael Imperato of Watkins & Gunn Solicitors.

Imperato is also acting for the claimants in Rhoose Library Campaign v Vale of Glamorgan Council. This case has reportedly been scheduled for a hearing on 13 and 14 October.