Parents and children are considering mounting a legal challenge over plans to hand 20 Somerset libraries to volunteers or close them down.

The families believe the county council may be failing in its statutory duty to provide a comprehensive library service and plan to notify the authority of their possible legal challenge this week.

The group will first seek clarification about the way the council's review of library services has been carried out.

At the same time, a group aiming to find an alternative way forward has won support from Oscar-winning writer Julian Fellowes, who became a Tory peer late last year.

Proposals to close 20 of the county's 34 libraries were announced before Christmas and consultation continues. The Cabinet will consider the proposal on February 2.

The stark choice has caused a storm of protest and a new group, Friends of Glastonbury Library, is working to find an alternative solution, aiming to keep more professional library staff involvement.

Mr Fellowes, who lives in neighbouring Dorset where libraries are also coming under pressure as part of public sector spending cuts, said: "It is a very difficult time for public bodies because they need to save money.

"But I feel very strongly that libraries are a gateway for many children, particularly those who come from backgrounds which are not necessarily tremendously interested in the world outside, and who are beginning to understand that they want a different kind of life.

"I do not want to criticise the councils, but of course I hope that they can find a way not to put 20 libraries out of 34 under pressure. Any way of keeping them without flouncing out and screaming at the council would be helpful."

The parents group, however, say they are prepared to mount a judicial review and demand a public enquiry.

It is asking for a legal undertaking that the consultation will be suspended and no further decisions will be made by the Cabinet or council until the legality of the position is clarified.

Group spokesman Steve Ross, of Wiveliscombe, said: "We hope our action will save Somerset time and money in the long run by providing the council with an opportunity to stop and reflect on decisions made and to consider available alternatives."

Gloucestershire County Council is also proposing to pass 11 libraries to communities and its consultation ends on February 11.

To respond online visit www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/mtclibraries.

The county council hopes start-up grants, peppercorn rents and up to 50 per cent asset share would help.