Library staff face barrage of abuse from yobs on anti-social behaviour rampage

Rishton library
-Credit: (Image: Alexander P Kapp/Geograph/Creative Commons)


Library staff have faced a barrage of abuse from yobs on a rampage of anti-social behaviour. Rishton Library was vandalised for the second time in two weeks last Thursday.

Eight windows were smashed at the High Street-based library and several windows were broken at the building opposite building. An attempt was also made to set fire to the library and on another occasion the building was broken into, with other attempts made to unlawfully gain access.

Both workers and the public have been harassed and a member of staff was assaulted during one incident.

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A spokesman for Lancashire County Council (LCC) said in response to last Thursday’s incident: “We took the decision to close Rishton Library following an act of criminal damage that has occurred overnight. The police have been informed.

“The nearest open libraries are Accrington, Great Harwood and Oswaldtwistle. Further updates will be added to our public web pages in due course.”

Cllr Peter Buckley, cabinet member for community and cultural services, Lancashire County Council, said in response to the incident a couple of weeks ago: “Unfortunately, Rishton Library has been subject to a campaign of anti-social behaviour and criminality over several months. We want to make clear that we will not tolerate assaults, physical or verbal, against our staff and no amount of anti-social behaviour against our library staff or the building.

“We are working actively with the police and targeted youth services to manage the situation at Rishton Library. We are also continuing to support our staff, who should never have to deal with this sort of behaviour.”

Library staff show 'continued endurance'

Hyndburn councillor Kate Walsh
Hyndburn councillor Kate Walsh -Credit:Hyndburn BC

Rishton councillor Kate Walsh, said: "As you all know Rishton Library has in recent months been a target of a barrage of anti-social behaviour from youths. I’m pleased to hear that the library will reopen and I extend my best wishes to the library staff for their continued endurance.

“Over the last few months the police have kept me well informed of progress they are making with individual incidents and ASB in Rishton as a whole. It is clear though that we have huge issues here in Rishton with anti-social behaviour and action must be taken.

“I have passed my concerns on to our MP Sarah Smith and given her an update of all the incidents and actions that have been taken so far this year. I look forward to working with her and others towards a resolution.

“While I haven’t previously been invited to any meetings about the library with LCC I am hopeful that going forward councillors will be better updated about incidents and plans so that we can help support where we can.

“I have raised a number of issues over the last few weeks, for example, police being unable to access LCC’s CCTV for a number of weeks which has hindered their investigations. "I’m really pleased that the police and LCC have a resolution on this now and we can move forward.”

A police spokesperson said: “We received a report of criminal damage to a building on High Street, Rishton, on September 13. This followed two previous reports in the weeks prior.

“Enquiries into all three reports are ongoing and we’d ask anyone with information or footage to contact us on 101 quoting log 0434 of September 13."

Lancashire Libraries posted on Facebook that the library would be closed for a while, which attracted numerous comments from upset library-goers.

One person wrote: “This is terrible news. These idiots who have caused so much damage have no conscience and have absolutely no consideration for people who rely on the library, not only for reading, but to meet friends and socialise. I really hope that there could be a solution to this ongoing problem.”

Another social media user added: “This is really sad. I am so sorry this is happening. I hope you’re able to open soon.” Rishton Library re-opened on Tuesday, September 17.

MP hits out at 'unacceptable' behaviour

MP for Hyndburn and Haslingden Sarah Smith at the reopened Rishton Library
MP for Hyndburn and Haslingden Sarah Smith at the reopened Rishton Library -Credit:Lancs Live

MP for Hyndburn and Haslingden, Sarah Smith, said: “I’m incredibly pleased to have visited the reopened Rishton Library. For too long, Rishton Library has suffered from vandalism and wider antisocial behaviour. This behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

“Thank you to the staff and its visitors for their continued patience. I will do everything I can to prevent these problems from continuing. I’d also like to thank the police for their help and collaboration throughout this process.

“I will now be working with the police, partners and constituents to help ensure the perpetrators are held to account and that this issue ceases to continue.”

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