'No plans to close' fire-damaged library

A council leader has said there are no plans to scrap a library that has been closed for a month following a fire.

According to North Northamptonshire Council, "the remedial work needed" at Oundle Library is "more extensive than first anticipated".

Work has yet to start on the part of the building where the fire broke out.

Jason Smithers, the leader of the council, said he wanted to "allay fears, and quash rumours" about the permanent closure of the service.

Oundle Library was evacuated on 12 July when fire broke out in a small room.

No injuries were reported and the fire was extinguished shortly afterwards.

The council said staff had been moving books to allow repair work to take place.

It added: "The damage caused has meant that the remedial work needed is more extensive than first anticipated."

Staff had hoped to provide a collection service to customers, but the council said it would be "impossible for them to safely pick and pack any requested titles".

The authority added that progress had been made with the electrics and the fire system, including replacement of the main library lights.

It said, however, that "the area containing the source of the fire is currently covered and work has not been able to start there yet".

"Staff will not be able to be present in the library, for safety reasons, while that work is done."

Mr Smithers said: “We are unable to confirm a time frame for reopening.

"However, I would like to allay fears, and quash rumours, by again reassuring the local community and strongly reinforcing the message that there are no plans to close the library permanently.

"I appreciate the closure is frustrating, however the safety of both staff and library users remains our primary focus and we will only reopen Oundle Library when we are assured that is the case.”

Helen Howell, the executive member for leisure and culture, said: “This fire is something that could not have been foreseen and is as upsetting for those employed at the library as it is for local residents.

"We hope that it won’t be too long before we all see our regular customers again."

Some events are taking place in the library garden and in alternative venues.

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