Repairs to make Darwen library watertight (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Repairs to make Darwen library watertight

9:00pm Friday 2nd November 2012 in News By Dan Clough, Reporter

REPAIRS costing ‘tens of thousands of pounds’ will be made to ensure Darwen Library is watertight.

Council chiefs have carried out inspections at the site over rec-ent weeks to identify work that needs to be carried out.

The plans were unveiled at a full meeting of Blackburn with Darwen Council.

Coun Damian Talbot, in charge of the borough’s libraries, said: “We have not identified any major damage. It certainly wasn’t as bad as it could have been.

“But there is a concern about the windows not being water-tight, and the dome as well.

“Obviously it is a historic building and it would be prudent to maintain it properly.”

Coun Talbot said no date had yet been set for the work.

He said: “We only agreed this on Wednesday, so there is no specific date yet. But it should be done pretty quickly and the library should not have to close, although parts may have to be partitioned off. It won’t cost huge sums of money. We are looking at the tens of thousands.”

Friends of Darwen Library chairman John East said he was pleased. He said: “I am delighted the people of Darwen will get this restoration of their library. This gives me every confidence the council is now listening to us, and will work with us.

“Water coming in, particularly from the dome, has implications for the carpets and the book shelves. But this work is more about preventing damage, and saving deterioration of stock and furnishings.”

Coun Karimeh Foster had hit out at the lack of spending on Darwen Library in September.

She said: “It is nice the council has listened to us and understands Darreners’ passion for the building. I am pleased they are doing something about it, but I hope they will spend more in the future.”