PRESTWICH library is being turned into a fortress to protect it from thieves.

Officials have been forced to install metal shutters at the library - or risk losing insurance cover.

Security perforated steel window guards around the building at street level, and steel retractable roller shutters over the entrance doors, will be put in place in the next few months.

A cash box was stolen from the building in the latest raid last week and now the library's insurers have ordered crime prevention measures be taken before a new policy is issued.

In the past three years, Prestwich Library, based at the Longfield Centre, has been targeted for a spate of attacks - on two occasions earlier this year, state-of-the-art computer equipment was stolen.

Internal measures to lock up equipment have been taken, but this has not deterred the vandals who continue to break in to the building and cause hundred of pounds worth of damage.

Principal librarian, Mrs Diana Sorrigan, said the library had no choice but to install "fortress" type security measures.

She added: "There has been a series of attacks on the library over the last few years and we hope the new measures will increase security.

"The problem is the shutters are not aesthetically pleasing, and we do not want to make the building look like a fortress.

"It is a terrible indictment on society that we have do this."

The head of the town's libraries said the resources being used to upgrade security could have been used to improve equipment and facilities in the library.

"It is very upsetting that the money should be spent in this way rather than in a positive way.

"But there are a minority who are determined to take away the service from the rest of society."

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