DARLINGTON Council had "sound and powerful" reasons to close its historic central library, the High Court heard this morning.

Campaigners and representatives from the authority returned to Leeds Combined Court today for the second day of a judicial review.

Mrs Justice Philippa Whipple is currently presiding over a case that scrutinises Darlington Borough Council's contentious decision to close Crown Street Library and move most of its resources to the nearby Dolphin Centre.

The majority of the first day was given over to representations given on behalf of The Friends of Darlington Library.

Yesterday, Nicholas Bowen QC told the court that the council had acted unfairly in its treatment of campaigners who complained that they had not had adequate time or support from the council to develop a viable alternative to closing the library.

This morning, Richard Clayton QC responded to the argument by saying that the authority had offered assistance by meeting with campaigners and offering them a room to hold workshops in.

He said there was no evidence to suggest that their plans would have succeeded even if officers had worked further with them.

Mr Clayton also outlined the financial plight of the council and its impact on the decision to close the library.

However, he said the decision was not purely made on a financial basis as he detailed the council's stance in relation to creating a modern and more accessible service at the leisure centre.

Mr Clayton said: "Irrespective of the savings, which were very important in the context of the pressures facing the council, there are sound and powerful reasons why it took the position it did."

The case continues.