10:43am Wednesday 19th August 2009
A Chorley library which reopened last week after a £430,000 refurbishment has been forced to close after just four days amid fears that the ceiling was about to collapse.
Euxton Library on St Mary's Gate, reopened on Monday, August 10, following the revamp to modernise and improve facilities.
However, within hours of the relaunch, cracks were noticed on the ceiling which rapidly deteriorated, leading to the decision to close completely on Friday for health and safety reasons.
Julie Bell, acting head of Lancashire County Library and Information Service said: "It is with regret that we have had to close Euxton Library with immediate effect in order to carry out essential repair work to the ceiling.
“Immediate action has been taken in order to rectify this problem and we will open the library as quickly as possible.
"We apologise for any inconvenience caused."
A contribution towards the refurbishment was made developers from the Buckshaw Village scheme, to help meet the needs of an expanding community.
The new look library has a spacious and open environment with mobile shelving to create flexible community spaces, an increased number of public computers with free internet access and a public toilet.
A new main entrance with automatic doors has also been installed.
During the closure, users can use their cards at any other library in Lancashire and books and other loaned items can be returned or renewed at any Lancashire County Council library or by telephoning 0845 050 1083.
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