Bromley library could be closed for years after asbestos and sink hole discovered

Bromley Council closed Shortlands Library in January after cracks were found in one of the library’s rear walls

Asbestos and a sink hole have been found in a Bromley library that is likely to be closed for years, Bromley Council has revealed.

The South London authority closed Shortlands Library at 110 Shortlands Road in January for safety reasons after cracks were found in one of the library’s rear walls. The library has since operated from a temporary location inside St Mary’s Church in Kingswood Road.

The council has now announced the results of its investigation into the cracks which it says were caused by trees in front of the library causing subsidence.

A Bromley Council spokesperson said: “The two large trees at the front are causing subsidence at the property. This is causing cracking in the walls, including where there is asbestos present, and a sink hole in the floor.

“Because the trees are so large they will need to be taken down in stages to avoid damage to nearby properties, and seasonally (outside of nesting season). Therefore, it will take some time to remove them, and we wouldn’t be able to start until this autumn.

“Only once the trees are fully removed could we start to repair and refurbish the property. The implications of this are that the current library building will be unavailable for many months if not years.”

Following the completion of its investigation, the council will decant the Shortlands Library site. It will conduct an air test and if no asbestos particles are found, books, equipment and other materials will be removed so they can be retained and reused elsewhere.

The temporary library at St Mary’s will also be improved and a better library space at the church will be created.

Bromley Council is considering all long-term options for Shortlands Library, including exploring other potential locations for a library in Shortlands.

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