Boscombe library forced to close after 'substantial leak'

Boscombe Library, in Heathcote Road, has been closed since November 29 after leaks followed by a period of heavy rain has led to flooding inside. 

Residents have been unable to access the library since, due to damaged carpets and the computers being switched off. 

BCP Council has said conversations with the landlord of the building are ongoing to get it back open, but an exact opening date is yet to be known. 

Cllr Andy Martin, portfolio holder for customer, communications and culture said: “Boscombe Library temporarily closed on 29 November due to substantial leaks. 

“These leaks and the volume of recent rainfall have caused water damage to the carpets in the library and have required the I.T to be decommissioned temporarily. 

“As the building is leased, we have spoken to the landlord who has confirmed that a full roof renewal on the lower roof was started before Christmas and is due to be completed in the next few weeks. 

“At present we don’t have a date for reopening. 

“Springbourne Library has been reopened this week following structural repairs, and is one of the nearest libraries to Boscombe, along with Charminster, Southbourne and Bournemouth libraries.” 

Andy Martin (Image: Daily Echo)

Ward councillor Patrick Canavan has said despite being redirected to other Bournemouth libraries, it has still been “incredibly inconvenient” for people. 

He said: “They are doing some repairs on the roof and we are hoping it will be back open soon. I’ve been told I may be able to hold my surgery on January 18, all being well. 

“They spotted a leak coming through on the roof but as far as we can tell there is not too much damage done. 

“Because people have been redirected to Southbourne library, it has not been too disruptive for people but it is incredibly inconvenient. 

“They are not just libraries anymore: there are for social activities and places for clubs, like book clubs.” 

Once open, the library’s opening hours face being slashed as BCP Council looks to reduce its spending for next year’s budget. 

Hours could be cut by an average of 10 hours a week, at each library, from April, which could save the authority £440,200. 

Grass cutting, CCTV cameras, paddling pools and tip opening hours are all set to be impacted later this year, subject to a consultation's findings.