TWO politicians have urged the council to ‘crack on’ with a revamp of much-loved Northwich Library after it was forced to close for a structural investigation.

Weaver Vale MP Mike Amesbury and Northwich councillor Sam Naylor were delighted when Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) announced a £2m renovation of the grade II-listed building last year.

But this week they were disappointed it had to close for safety reasons 14 months after scaffolding was erected in preparation for repair work that has still not begun.

Imploring the council to ‘get on with it’, Cllr Naylor said: "I’ve been campaigning around the state of the library throughout the nine years I’ve been a ward councillor after it deteriorated under successive administrations.

"In fairness, there are now plans to enhance it and the funding is there but I’m disappointed it’s taken so long and this temporary closure is a real blow. 

"We just want to see something positive being done because it’s a well-loved, iconic building, treasured by the people of Northwich.

"The council needs to really crack on."

Northwich Guardian: Scaffolding was erected on Northwich library around 14 months agoScaffolding was erected on Northwich library around 14 months ago

Cllr Naylor’s Labour colleague Mike Amesbury MP holds regular surgeries in the library and describes staff as ‘brilliant’. He agrees the local authority must prioritise restoring the facility to its former glory.

"We know councils are operating in a tough environment," he said. 

"The Government talks about levelling up but has cut half a billion pounds from CWAC's budget which means far fewer staff trying to deliver services.

"Having said that, it’s been known for some considerable time that this popular and much-loved facility is in desperate need of investment and the money has been allocated.

"We just need to see some action now."

CWAC has committed £2m to enhance the current library service and make it a multi-use community space for residents and visitors.

Northwich Library opened in 1885, with financial support from Sir John Brunner, co-founder of chemical company Brunner, Mond and Co. 

But the original building was damaged by subsidence and eventually demolished. A replacement building was provided on the same site by Sir John in 1909.