The recent appearance of cracks in a rear wall at Shortlands Library has prompted the closure of the library for safety reasons and further investigation work.
There has been evidence of some small movement in the building for some time, but the building has up to now been deemed safe to use. However recent new cracks have given cause for concern and need to be investigated as a matter of urgency. Survey work will help inform the next steps.
A council spokesperson said “Public safety is of the utmost importance. We are closing the library given the discovery of the new cracks for safety reasons pending further investigation. We need to understand in more detail as to why this has happened and what remedial options might be available. We will update library users and residents as soon as we have further information.”
The closest alternative library provision is available at Bromley Central Library, which is 1.2 miles away, with Beckenham and West Wickham libraries also both within 2 miles of Shortlands Library.
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For media enquiries, please contact Andrew Rogers, Head of Public Affairs on 020 8461 7670 or email andrew.rogers@bromley.gov.uk.