Shropshire Council has explored 20 potential sites in its ongoing quest to find a new home for Whitchurch Library - with not one of them deemed suitable.

The library was previously housed in Whitchurch Civic Centre until 2023 when it was discovered that dangerous RAAC was prevalent throughout the centre.

The library has been functioning from the market hall since then, offering a limited book pick-up and drop-off service.

However, none of the sites evaluated so far have proved suitable or available.

The new location must fulfil certain criteria.

It must comply with all health and safety guidelines, be accessible to all users, meet basic staff welfare requirments, and feature the full amenities required for a public library.

Robert Macey, Shropshire Council’s cabinet member for digital and culture, said: "We understand that this pop-up service does not cater for all the needs of those wishing to access a library and only offers a minimum book loan service, but we are doing everything possible to find alternative accommodation for the library service in Whitchurch.

"We’re continuing to actively explore options and once a site is identified a plan will be prepared that allows us to open to the public as soon as possible, taking into account that the site may well require a level of adaptation."

He also added: "We’d like to thank library users for their patience and understanding. If anyone in the community knows of a site that they think may be suitable, or if they know of properties that may be becoming vacant, to get in touch.

"It may be that we have already considered the site, but local people will have the best knowledge."

Peggy Mullock, Shropshire councillor for Whitchurch North, said: "When we will have a library again is one of the questions I get most frequently asked for at my surgery in the Market Hall.

"It has been a hard task to find a property suitable but hopefully there will be somewhere soon.

"Our staff are operating a service twice a week in the Market Hall but I am sure we are all missing the full service we have come to expect from the library."

Meanwhile, a working group consisting of Shropshire Councillors, Whitchurch Town Councillors, and officers from both councils will study two possible solutions for the Civic Centre's future.

They will consider either repairing or replacing the centre before presenting a business case to Shropshire Council’s Cabinet.