A LIBRARY will be demolished after defects in the building were found to be too expensive to repair.

Planning permission has been sought to knock down the former Woodstock Library on health and safety grounds, following extensive surveys of the building.

The town's library moved into The Oxfordshire Museum temporarily in December after its previous home, on Hensington Road, was closed due to structural damage.

Read again: Library completes move across town

Problems with some of the walls were uncovered during routine maintenance and health and safety inspections, with further surveys showing the extent of the damage.

It is expected to be demolished before the end of April, with the building monitored for structural safety until then.

Lorraine Lindsay-Gale, cabinet member for education & cultural services, said the county council remained committed to finding a permanent home for the library and continued to explore all options.

She said: “We appreciate how important having a library is to Woodstock residents and will continue to engage with them over the coming months."

Oxford Mail:

A full library service including books, public access internet and activities will remain in The Oxfordshire Museum’s Innovations Gallery in the meantime.

The library is also accessible with self-service facilities available during the Museum opening hours.

The county council is responsible for a network of more than 40 libraries across Oxfordshire.

It operates a Home Library Service and also provides an online book service.

Core library opening hours are:

  • Monday closed
  • Tuesday 10am-1.30pm
  • Wednesday 10am-5pm
  • Thursday 11am-5pm
  • Friday 11am-5pm
  • Saturday 10am-1.30pm

Museum opening hours are:

  • Tuesday to Saturday 10am–5pm
  • Sundays 2pm–5pm