An East Lancashire library is to close in January due to concerns over a staircase.

Book lovers in Rawtenstall are being notified that their local library will temporarily close next month.

The library will close for around four weeks from Monday, January 8, while investigative work is undertaken on the staircase.

A precise schedule for the closure will not be given until the work begins. However, customers are being reassured that fines for overdue loans from Rawtenstall Library will be waived while the building is shut.

Alternative libraries nearby include Haslingden Library, Bacup Library, Whitworth Library and Accrington Library.

County Councillor Peter Buckley, cabinet member for community and cultural services at Lancashire County Council, said: "We're sorry for any inconvenience that this closure may cause.

"We need to do some investigative work to the library staircase, and this can only be done safely while it is closed to the public.

"Nearby alternative libraries are available, as well as our online services, and we'll update our website as soon as we know exactly when we're able to reopen."

Customers can renew books online, face to face or by phone via Lancashire County Council's 24 hour automated service on 0300 123 6704 with their library card number and PIN number, or by phoning the customer contact centre on 0300 123 6703.