LIBRARY customers in Eastbourne are being advised to use alternative facilities after a leak from a drainage pipe closed the town’s main library.

Efforts are being made to reopen the library as soon as possible, but the East Sussex County Council facility will remain closed until next week.

“We appreciate the disruption this will cause to residents and I’m really sorry that we need to keep the library closed for longer,” said Stephen Potter, head of customer and library services at East Sussex County Council.

“The leak of foul water has now been fixed, but it has affected the electrics within the building.  We cannot open to the public until we are completely satisfied that it is safe to do so. The electrical system needs to dry out and then be inspected for any damage and tested before we can get up and running again.  A small area of the library also needs to be cleaned and dried out.  We expect the library to reopen on Monday, April 18.”

As work continues, residents are being encouraged to use the libraries at Langney, Hampden Park and Willingdon, where the opening hours will be extended while Eastbourne Library remains closed.

For residents unable to travel, East Sussex County Council has an e-library which allows people to browse a catalogue, borrow e-books and find help with everything from family history to homework.

For temporary opening hours at Langney, Willingdon and Hampden Park or for any other enquiries including accessing the county council’s e-library or renewing a book online visit www.eastsussex.gov.uk/libraries or call 0345 608 0196.

Library users are advised to book in advance if they need to use a computer, and can do so by phone on 0345 608 0196 or by visiting the library.