THE council has provided an update on the repair work to Northwich Library after the building closed when 'movement' was spotted in a wall.

Since the library closed in August as a safety precaution, Cheshire West and Chester Council has carried out surveys and testing, with more in-depth investigations planned in the coming weeks.

As part of the phased project, scaffolding will be erected later this month to stabilise the building in preparation for the refurbishment.

The restoration aims to make the library fit for purpose for future generations of users.

A new temporary home for library services and events in the town has yet to be identified while the restoration is carried out, however a decision on a location is expected in October.

Cllr Louise Gittins, the council leader, said: “This historic and much-valued library building in Northwich needs significant repair, which the council is committed to carrying out.

“Library services are an important public service in our borough, providing access to resources to inspire and inform and spaces for communities to come together.

"This is particularly evident in Northwich Library which is popular among the community.

"We are investing council funding to renovate the building. Once the external stabilisation work is completed this winter and the internal redesigns are finalised, internal rebuilding work will begin in 2023.

"We will continue to provide extended hours in nearby locations until we can confirm a longer-term temporary location for the library, where residents of Northwich can continue to use these services for the duration of the works."

Sandiway, Barnton and Weaverham libraries are currently operating extended opening hours to make it easier for Northwich residents to access library services.  

Loans from Northwich are being extended to the end of October, and events scheduled at the library will take place at other venues.

Online services, including eBooks, can be accessed 24 hours a day at cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/libraries.