Newark: Vandals target library undergoing maintenance work

The windows had recently been installed in the roof

A library in Nottinghamshire that had been closed while renovation work was carried out has been targeted by vandals, local leaders said.

Windows that had been freshly installed in the roof of Newark Library have been smashed through.

The library, in Beaumond Gardens, was targeted at some point over the weekend between 27 and 29 April.

Keith Girling, the local councillor for the area, said he felt angered by the attack.

Broken glass landed from the windows in the ceiling onto the library's floor

Nottinghamshire County Council said work on the library, which started in January, would not delay its reopening date of 3 June.

"People got onto the roof and used crowbars to smash in the new windows which have been put in the roof," said Mr Girling.

"Things fell into the library below, damaging furniture, books, shelves and the ceiling. [It] is a total disregard for people's property and public assets.

"It was on schedule to reopen on time and within budget, but now it's going to be out of budget and we've got to wait for the windows to be rebuilt."

Mr Girling said staff discovered the building had been targeted by vandals when they arrived at the library on Monday at about 07:00 BST.

'Senseless act'

He said the issue was reported to police and security had been in place at the library in response to the attack.

The library closed for maintenance work to enhance its heating and cooling systems.

Councillor Scott Carlton, cabinet member for communities and public health at Nottinghamshire County Council, called the vandalism a "senseless act of destruction".

He added: "Thankfully no one was working in the library at the time of the incident and we would like to assure residents that we are taking immediate and comprehensive actions to repair and restore the damaged areas.

"We have mobilised our maintenance team and external contractors to assess the damages and initiate the necessary repairs."

Sgt Rob Harrison, of Nottinghamshire Police, said an investigation was under way and appealed for anyone with any information to come forward.

"It really should go without saying but there is absolutely no excuse for this type of behaviour," he added.