North London library forced to close after asbestos found in roof panels

Pinner Library, Harrow
-Credit:Google Maps


A library in North London has been forced to close temporarily after asbestos was found in roof panels ahead of planned maintenance work being carried out. Harrow Council has announced that Pinner Library will 'open again soon' but hasn't given a firm date.

The library in Marsh Road will remain closed whilst the council removes the asbestos - a heat, corrosion, and fire resistant mineral that can be dangerous if disturbed and the fibres inhaled. Harrow Council has a duty of care to remedy the situation but has given assurances that it didn't pose a threat to the public.

Pinner Library was already scheduled to be closed to visitors until January 29 whilst ongoing maintenance work was carried out. However, it appears that date will now have to be pushed back until the asbestos has been removed and it is deemed safe to reopen to the public.

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Worker wearing full body protective clothing while working with the asbestos roof. Hazardous waste management and working safety concept. Professional waste disposal.
Asbestos is a known carcinogen that can cause serious diseases, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis -Credit:Getty Images

Asbestos is a known carcinogen that can cause serious diseases, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis, according to the Government website. Breathing in high concentrations of it for a long period of time mainly affects the lungs, causing the disease asbestosis - which can take decades to develop - where breathing becomes difficult and the heart enlarges. Asbestosis sufferers are also at an increased risk of cancer.

A spokesperson for Harrow Council told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): "The library was temporarily closed while we removed asbestos found in the panelling, before work on the roof could take place."

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They added: "There was no danger to the public, however, it is within our duty of care to take the steps required to remove this and continue with maintenance works to the building. The library will open again soon, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back."

The council has apologised for the inconvenience and advised residents that books can be returned to any Harrow library or renewed online or over the phone. No fines will be charged during the closure period.

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