Blame it on the weather! Council says overnight rain caused leak leading to closure of Grimsby Library

                                                    

 Overnight rainfall has been blamed for the leak at Grimsby Library

                                            

THE future looks increasingly uncertain for Grimsby Central Library.

After it closed at 5.30pm today, little assurance has been given about when it will reopen - if at all.

The building is owned by North East Lincolnshire Council and the service is run by Lincs Inspire.

The two organisations claim that there has been "a water leak following a period of overnight rainfall".

In a joint statement, they say: "A leak was identified, and there is a requirement for urgent works.

"The service is  set to be relocated as soon as possible.

"We are working to inform library users and those customers with local tax and benefit support appointments of alternative service provision. 

"Lincs Inspire is also working with the Credit Union to ensure its continued service."

In the meantime, library users are asked to use the following services:

* Cleethorpes Library on Alexandra Road, open 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Thursday, and 9am to 1pm Saturday;

* Immingham Library at the Civic Centre on Pelham Road, open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 1pm Saturday;

* Waltham Library on the High Street, open 8.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 5.30pm Tuesday to Friday, and 9am to 1pm Saturday.

There is also the online service available via www.lincsinspire.com

Those with books to return are being asked to return them to an alternative branch until a suitable drop off arrangement in Grimsby is confirmed.

The extent of the leak has not been revealed, nor if any of the books or other stock have been damaged.

The Grimsby News says: It is no secret that North East Lincolnshire Council wants to get shot of its library in Grimsby - and probably the one in Cleethorpes, too. Has this leak provided itself with an excuse for permanent closure? Here's hoping this is not the case, but the press release gives scant assurance that that repairs will be carried out as a matter of urgency. Instead, it says the service will be "relocated" as soon as possible.  Out of courtesy to users and staff, NELC needs to be less vague both about its current plan of action (if any) and its medium-term intentions.