04/11/11

There have been further delays to the reopening West Norwood Library and Nettlefold Hall after the discovery of asbestos.

The library and neighbouring Nettlefold Hall were forced to close in June 2011 after thieves stripped the roof of copper causing heavy rain to pour in and flood the buildings.

Repair work began in July, but Lambeth Council has announced it is now expected to take longer than originally planned after builders found asbestos within the library.

This has resulted in a delay in the reopening whilst this asbestos is properly surveyed and assessed to make sure that the building is safe.

No date has been given for when the buildings will reopen again.

Only after Health and Safety have given clearance will begin on continuing the refurbishment

The council passed all CCTV footage to the police to aid their investigation in the hunt for the culprits but no one has yet been caught.

A temporary library has opened while repairs are carried out on West Norwood Library and Nettlefold Hall.

The library and neighbouring Nettlefold Hall were forced to close in June 2011 after the theft of copper from its roof allowed heavy rain to pour in and flood the buildings.

Repair work began in July, but is now expected to take longer than originally planned.

The temporary library has been set up at Lambeth Resource Centre, 1 Park Hall Road, West Norwood. The entrance is at the back of the Resource Centre via Chestnut Road.

It is open from Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm. There is only a book lending service but West Norwood library users can use any of the borough's other libraries or you can renew books on our website or by phone.