PARTS of Whitchurch's Civic Centre being forced to close after faulty concrete was found in the building.

After a number of schools and other buildings across the UK were identified to have the faulty reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), it was also discovered in roof beams to the rear of Whitchurch Library, Shropshire Council has said. 

However, some temporary props have now been inserted and the library will remain open pending more detailed surveys.

Other parts of the Civic Centre – operated by Whitchurch Town Council – also have RAAC roof beams, and there may also be some in the intermediate floors.

Mike McDonald, Whitchurch Town Council proper officer, and Councillor Andy Hall, Whitchurch mayor, released a joint statement.

They said: “Unfortunately, based on expert advice from structural engineers and our corporate landlord Shropshire Council, we have had to close some of our facilities while investigative steps take place.

“We are working closely with our Shropshire Council colleagues to resolve this as soon as possible.

“While there is no, identifiable, immediate danger, it is a responsible measure for the safety of the public and our staff, and we hope to be able to reopen facilities as soon as possible.

“In the interim, the town council will maintain a presence in Whitchurch Library on weekdays from 9.30am-3pm – except when the library is closed on Wednesdays – and Saturdays from 10am to 1pm.

“The council can also be contacted by telephone on 01948 665761 and email on info@whitchurchcouncil.uk."

OTHER NEWS:

They also stressed that tomorrow's Friday market (September 8) will continue as usual, adding: “The Friday markets will take place, as usual, at the front of the Civic Centre and in the Market Hall – though access to the indoor market will be through the Market Hall’s independent access on St Mary’s Street.

“Similarly, all other events and bookings in the Market Hall/Sports Hall remain unaffected and some other events may be relocated to the hall where possible.”

Shropshire Council says a detailed structural inspection of the Civic Centre must now be carried out by specialist engineers, with a minimum three-week delay before they can start.

Some areas of the Civic Centre will be closed – with immediate effect – until this work has been completed.

Dean Carroll, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for housing and assets, said: “For safety reasons, we have had to take the decision to close some areas of the Civic Centre.

"I’m pleased the library will remain open, that the town council will have a presence in the library, and that the weekly market will continue to take place.”

The issue of RAAC has led to some schools across the country being partly or completely closed while work is carried out to rectify the situation.

Shropshire Council has previously said that no schools in the county have been affected, however, some reports are still outstanding.