More than 200 sign petition to save damaged library

More than 200 people have signed a petition to save a library whose ceiling partially collapsed in December.

Charminster Library in Bournemouth will remain closed indefinitely due to "serious building safety concerns", Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council previously said.

The authority said it would need £680,000 to make the building safe and was seeking external support.

However, councillor Alasdair Keddie's petition said the sum was a small fraction of the authority's overall budget.

The Green Party member said: "I am furious that it has got to this stage, despite repeated warning that we need to invest in the upkeep and maintenance of these vital community resources.

"Libraries are not a luxury; they are essential infrastructure."

His petition, on the council website, urges the authority to commit to a "full library service in Charminster, not a token provision tucked inside a redevelopment scheme".

It adds: "Repairs are estimated at £680,000. That is 0.15% of the Council's total budget.

"This Council has approved a £452m budget and committed to significant borrowing for capital [infrastructure] projects.

"We urge it to apply the same commitment to protecting essential community services."

Previously, BCP Council said the library needed roof joist repairs, the rebuilding of parapet walls and asbestos removal.

Councillor Andy Martin, in charge of libraries, said: "We now know that making this very old building safe for customers would cost over £680,000, and unfortunately the council simply does not currently have the funds for these major repairs.

"We cannot reopen a building that puts people's safety at risk.

"We will explore options to seek a long‑term solution and remain fully committed to maintaining library access for residents of the Charminster area."