Library set to reopen after revamp

Oakham Library is set to reopen following a revamp.

The library closed on 12 January for "essential improvements" to modernise the building.

Rutland County Council leader Gale Waller revealed at a meeting on Thursday that a well was unexpectedly uncovered by workers during the refurbishment which delayed the reopening by one week, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Chairing the meeting, councillor Lucy Stephenson said she was "gobsmacked" by the discovery as the well had not been identified on any plans for site of the library, which is due to reopen on Monday.

The council said the renovation aimed to create a more welcoming and improved facility with a new layout that features a more accessible reception desk, a refreshed children's area and a suite of new public computers.

However, library users were warned work was still continuing in some areas.

Once fully completed, the library will provide a new community room and a sensory room for babies and toddlers.

Christine Wise, cabinet member for transport, environment and communities at the council, said: "We're very pleased to be reopening Oakham Library after the unavoidable delays we encountered this month.

"We're not fully finished but have done what we need to be able to reopen the main library area.

"There are still works taking place in the library and on new rooms for families and young people, but this shouldn't cause too much disruption.

"We're looking forward to showing off all the improvements very soon, once everything is done."

Libraries in Ketton and Uppingham are also planned to be refurbished in the autumn as part of the Living Well Rutland programme.

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