Hopes for library reopening after ceiling collapse

A library that closed after its ceiling partially collapsed could reopen before the end of the year.

Charminster Library in Bournemouth has been shut since December due to the damage and what Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council previously described as "serious building safety concerns".

The council said "significant progress" had been made in repairing the building and it aimed to reopen the library in December.

In a social media post, local MP Tom Hayes and the Friends of Charminster Library campaign group described it as "really good news".

Earlier this year, the council said, following structural assessments, the almost 120-year-old building would need to remain closed "indefinitely".

Andy Martin, cabinet member for customer, communications and culture, said asbestos in the loft space had been removed and work carried out to further secure the heating panels attached to roof beams.

"We are aiming to open the library in early December, but there are still some issues inside the building to be dealt with and risk assessments to be completed," he said.

"When the library reopens, there will still be significant external repairs required."

Louise Norman, of Friends of Charminster Library, said: "What's been happening in the last couple of weeks is that they've been inside the library and have put netting on the underside of the ceiling where they had worries about safety with the plasterwork."

She said deep cleaning and restocking was expected to take place over the next few weeks.

"It won't be a perfect library - there will likely be buckets on the floor, but we will have a library," she added.

Bournemouth East MP Tom Hayes said on social media: "...while the library may look a little rough around the edges at first, librarians will be unlocking its doors."

The council also said a "funding solution" was needed for the building.

It previously said it was seeking external funding to help meet the £680,000 cost of making the building safe. An online crowdfunding appeal had been launched.