Chantry Library in Ipswich to delay reopening after legionella detected

The reopening of an Ipswich library has been delayed after legionella was detected.

Chantry Library has been shut since May 8 after a routine water test revealed the risk of the bacteria being present in the water supply of the taps in its toilet.

Suffolk County Council advised the team to close the library to the public while the water was treated and retested – a process which can take a while.

The library was supposed to reopen on May 28, but a spokesman for Suffolk Libraries estimated this could be delayed by at least two weeks.

He stressed there was not an outbreak of the bacteria, but the traces of it forced the library to close.

He said: “While water treatment and testing continues, we are unable to reopen Chantry Library on 28 May as planned.

“Unfortunately, although we hoped and anticipated after treating the water the results would be clear, they show further treatment is required so the process has to be carried out again.

“The library is likely to be closed for a further two weeks but we will keep customers informed when we know more.”

Despite this, Suffolk Libraries wanted to highlight some positive news.

After liaising with Suffolk County Council, work to replace the library’s roof will also take place while the building is closed.

The spokesman said residents could use any other library in the meantime, with the nearest being Stoke Library, at Stoke High School, in Maidenhall Approach.

He added: “Suffolk Libraries apologises to customers and we appreciate their ongoing patience and understanding.

“We would like to remind and reassure customers they don’t have to worry about any loans due back during the closure.

“We’re extending the dates and books can still be returned in the dropbox at the library if people wish and they will be processed.”