Routine statutory checks have identified electrical safety issues in Ulverston’s library.

As a result Westmorland and Furness Council has taken the decision to close the building on King’s Road with immediate effect from close of business today (Friday 1 September).

A spokesperson for Westmorland and Furness Council said: “The safety of our service users and staff is our immediate priority so we have taken the decision to close the library in Ulverston while further investigations are carried out.

“Please also note that the decision to close the library is related to its electrics and has nothing to do with aerated concrete, which we know has been in the national news.

“Our Library Services team is already making arrangements for an alternative library provision to be established in Ulverston as soon as possible.

“In the meantime, the nearest alternative libraries are located at Grange and Barrow, with Library Links in Dalton and Broughton-in-Furness.

“We also have a digital library services on offer if you click here.

“Our apologies for the inconvenience – we appreciate how popular and well-used Ulverston Library is and please be reassured that we are working hard to ensure Ulverston continues to have access to a library service as soon as possible.

“We aim to be able to provide further updates early next week.’’