Specialist engineers arrived at Northwich Library this week to begin work needed to stabilise the building.  

The library closed in August as a safety precaution after structural movement was spotted in a rear supporting wall.

Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) has engaged historic building conservation specialist Recclesia Ltd to undertake the first phase of the work.  

They will be working alongside structural engineers, specialist scaffolding engineers, Historic England and qualified health and safety advisors.

Graham Pink, director of commercial management and delivery at CWAC, said: “Over the past months, a team of historic building specialists and structural engineers have been working together to calculate how to sensitively support the building to allow conservation and repair work to be undertaken.

“This first phase of structural support work will allow the engineers to get up close to the building and design a scheme of structural repairs along its west elevation, which is suffering from some complex structural problems.

“This will safeguard this important historic building and architectural asset at the heart of Northwich town centre.”

Asbestos specialists have also been called in after concerns were raised about the presence of the silicate mineral on the site.

Previously, Councillor Louise Gittins, leader of CWAC, said: "Northwich Library is an old building which is in much need of repair.

"The council is investing in the building’s future to carry out these vital improvements.

"It is in a poor condition, and our teams constantly monitored its condition while the necessary permanent repairs were designed.

"As ever, public safety is the key priority for the council.

"We apologise for the inconvenience this closure causes library users. Alternative library services are available nearby and we look forward to the day when work will start to transform this treasured building and continue to provide this valued public service."

CWAC plans to relocate library services to Weaver Hall Museum and to provide a self-service issue and return facility at Brio Memorial Court, at a date yet to be announced. 

Library events will take place at Weaver Hall, Brio and other locations in the town centre.

You can keep up to date with the project and with library services by visiting visit the website: Northwich Library | Cheshire West and Chester Council, or follow Cheshire West and Chester Libraries on Facebook and Twitter.