Swinton Library moved to civic hall after survey shows RAAC in roof

A library earmarked for demolition has been moved to a nearby civic hall after a survey revealed issues with its roof.

Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) was discovered in the roof of Swinton community library near Rotherham, the council said.

The authority said it temporarily closed the building last week as a "precautionary measure", in line with other local authorities.

The library building was already earmarked for demolition.

"A newly-refurbished library is planned to be opened early next year at the former customer service centre building [nearby] as part of a major redevelopment of Swinton town centre," the council said.

"This will mean the demolition of the current library off Station Street, with the area then landscaped."

Nearly 50 affordable homes will also be built as part of Swinton's redevelopment, with community buildings and public spaces upgraded, the council said.

Rob Mahon, who oversees Rotherham Council's building maintenance, said the library was closed last week for further surveys and investigations into remedial works.

"This decision is supported by recent government guidance issued due to concerns where Raac has been used in schools, prompting similar concerns around other public buildings including libraries," he said.

The council said people could return their books to any Rotherham library.

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