You are viewing your 1 free article this month. Login to read more articles.
Library campaigners in Scotland are taking legal action in an attempt to keep libraries in Moray open.
Campaign group Save Our Libraries Moray will seek a judicial review in the the Scottish Court of Session to challenge Moray Council's plan to close seven libraries in the region.
The council has insisted that the cuts have to be made to save more than £350,000. However, many have criticised the moves, with Scottish culture secretary Fiona Hyslop urging the council to reconsider its plans.
Alistair Jeffs, chairman of Save Our Libraries Moray, told the Scotsman: "It is a sad day when we are forced to make a legal challenge against the council administration that should be representing and protecting us."
He said that the group planned to challenge the council on several grounds, including breaching public sector equality duty under the Equalities Act. He said: "“We feel that such is the gravity of the situation, the legal challenge will prove to be a test case for the whole of Scotland. If it takes £100,000 and 100,000 signatures we will not allow our libraries to be closed."