VANDALISM and anti-social behaviour are posing problems at Culcheth’s newly-refurbished library.
Rubbish, including empty drinks containers and beer cars, was strewn all around the back of the library building and some of the newly-planted plants were pulled up and thrown on the grass at the front of the building.
The covers on air conditioning “boxes” have been completely smashed – for the second time.
Groups of 13-14-year-old boys have been behaving badly inside the library, being abusive to staff and using bad language.
Library staff have reported the incidents on several occasions.
Dr Janet Evans, co-vice chair of the Library Friends and fellow member Jim Billington have met with police who have made a number of suggestions, including reporting the culprits to the relevant schools.
Dr Evans said: “ The police strongly suggested that the library should have bright, strong lights at the back so that all is lit up – in tune with the lights at the front. At the moment the back lights are fairly feeble although the electrics are in place so it shouldn’t be too difficult or too expensive to change the light fittings to something much stronger.
“They also suggested that Crime Prevention officers could visit the library to make suggestions as to how the library and surrounding plot could be made more vandal proof.”
Dr Evans also appeared on the BBC Radio 4 “Any Answers” programme, following an “Any Questions” programme dealing with libraries.
She said: “I do feel we need to try and engender a greater sense of ownership and pride in our village. We have so much to be proud of – particularly our library that we have worked so hard for. Today’s good news is that the government is going to provide more police in local community areas, so hopefully Culcheth will be one of these.”
