Bingley Library hires security due to anti-social behaviour

The security measures at Bingley Library are costing taxpayers about £700 a week

Security guards have been employed to tackle anti-social behaviour at a town centre library in West Yorkshire.

The security at Bingley Library is costing taxpayers about £700 a week, a council report revealed.

The library - based in the Five Rise Shopping Centre - suffers "regular bouts of anti-social behaviour", according to the report.

"We want all our libraries to be safe spaces for everybody," a Bradford Council spokesperson said.

A council committee will discuss the issue at a meeting about its libraries on Wednesday.

The report states: "Unfortunately, Bingley Library suffers from regular bouts of anti-social behaviour.

"As a result, the service has had to employ security guards during the year to support and protect staff and customers, at an additional cost to the service."

'Intimidating behaviour'

Security guards have been working at the library, on Chapel Lane, since August, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

A Bradford Council spokesperson said: "Anti-social behaviour is intimidating for customers and staff, who must be a top priority for us.

"The cost is on average £725 per week, however, this is expected to be for a limited period and we are reviewing whether to continue using security or what other options may be available to us."

They added: "We will continue to look at ways to make sure the library is a safe space for everyone."