Library to stay shut after ceiling collapse

A library that closed after its ceiling collapsed is to remain shut "for the foreseeable future" due to "serious building safety concerns".

Charminster Library in Bournemouth has been shut since December as a result of the partial collapse.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP) said it was seeking external funding to help meet the £680,000 cost of making the building safe.

The nearest alternative libraries are less than a mile away at Winton and Castlepoint.

BCP said, following structural assessments, it determined the building would need to remain closed "indefinitely".

Libraries councillor Andy Martin said: "We now know that making this very old building safe for customers would cost over £680,000, and unfortunately the council simply does not currently have the funds for these major repairs.

"We cannot reopen a building that puts people's safety at risk."

Vital work includes the removal of recently exposed asbestos, replacing defective roof joists and the removal and rebuilding of parapet walls.

Martin said: "This update is not the outcome any of us wanted but we must put the safety of residents and staff first – and we wanted to let the community know as soon as possible.

"We will explore options to seek a long‑term solution and remain fully committed to maintaining library access for residents of the Charminster area."

BCP said a separate application for Arts Council England funding to trial an open access swipe card system at four libraries, including Charminster, had recently been turned down.

Martin said: "This is not as a result of the condition of the Charminster building.

"We remain committed to all elements of our recently approved library strategy and will be looking at other routes for funding."