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Oldham council is investigating the cause of the problem that forced one of its libraries to close.

On August 24,  Royton Library closed temporarily while works are carried out to repair flooring within the building and further investigations to take place. Oldham council said they would give a reopening date as soon as more information becomes available and the works were ‘essential to ensure the building remains safe, welcoming and fit for the future’.

The closure and latest works comes less than two years after the local authority spent £4.1m doing up the building. The building reopened in September 2024.

A council spokesperson told the LDRS the project ‘transformed accessibility across the site, with improved internal links between the town hall and library, new lifts, and upgraded facilities for people with disabilities, including a Changing Places toilet equipped with adult-sized changing benches, hoists and space for carers’.

However they added: “While those restoration works delivered substantial improvements to bring the buildings back to their original Victorian glory, these current repair works are necessary to ensure the library continues to provide a welcoming, safe and accessible space for residents and visitors for many years to come.”

Given the period between the major investment in the building and the latest issues, the LDRS asked the council whether the flooring was part of the initial refurbishment and when the local authority first discovered the issues.

In response, a council spokesperson said: “The replacement of floorboards was not part of the original refurbishment, and we first became aware of potential issues last month.

“Before the refurbishment works took place in 2023/24, a full survey of the building was carried out. At that time, the floorboards were found to be in good condition with no repairs or replacement needed.

“Had any issues been identified during the refurbishment, the necessary remedial work would have been included within the project. We are now working with the contractor who undertook the refurbishment to establish the cause of the issue and undertake appropriate repairs.”