Oxford,
12
February
2019
|
09:30
Europe/London

Woodstock Library building set for demolition

Planning permission has been sought to demolish the former Woodstock Library.

The town’s library moved into The Oxfordshire Museum on a temporary basis in December after the building in Hensington Road was found to have suffered structural damage.

Problems with some of the walls were uncovered during routine maintenance and health and safety inspections. Now further extensive surveys have revealed the building is damaged beyond economic repair.

A county structural engineering officer said: “We have applied to demolish it on health and safety grounds.

“It is anticipated that demolition will occur before the end of April. In the meantime the building will remain monitored for structural safety.”

Cllr 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.

“We appreciate how important having a library is to Woodstock residents and will continue to engage with them over the coming months,” said Cllr Lindsay-Gale.

In the meantime, a full library service will continue to be provided in The Oxfordshire Museum’s Innovations Gallery. This includes books, public access internet, activities, printing and photocopying.

Core library opening hours are:

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

In addition to these core opening hours, the library is accessible with self-service facilities available during the Museum opening hours:

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

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.