Thurso library shelved for the rest of 2013
In the meantime, the library is set to move to a temporary site in the town centre to provide a scaled-down service while repairs are completed.
The B-listed building in Davidson’s Lane closed in January for an estimated 12 weeks while work to remove asbestos was carried out.
It was reported in April that major structural issues would extend the closure for a further three months.
Highland councillor Roger Saxon yesterday said that after talks with Highland High Life (HLH) chairman Ian Murray, further problems have been found, meaning it would remain shut into next year.
The service, which has been run from a mobile van parked beside the town’s swim pool, will now move to the former Hydro Electric store in Princes Street, subject to planning permission. No date for the move has yet been confirmed.
Mr Saxon said no date has been given for works to be completed and there is the possibility it may not re-open before next summer.
“I was told by High Life Highland that it could be closed for at least a year, so it could be the middle of 2014 before it re-opens,” he said.
“I believe that major structural work needs to be carried out but I am uncertain about the exact details.
“I am pleased a temporary location has been found and, if given planning permission, the council will be pulling out all the stops to get it up and running. It might be restrictive to what it usually offers, but it would be an improvement on the mobile library.”
People voiced their concern at Tuesday’s meeting of Thurso Community Council about the prospect of the library being permanently closed given the wave of library closures across the country. Mr Saxon had no such fears and was confident the building would provide an improved service when it re-opens.
Community council chairman Bob Earnshaw was confident the library would re-open but said more information would be required from HLH than has been offered.
He said: “The public needs to be reassured that it will remain open and we will be keeping an eye on the situation.”
HLH was asked to comment but failed to respond at the time of going to press.