Fenced in to stop yobs
A 21/2-metre tall fence is set to be installed around Ollerton Library in an effort to tackle persistent anti-social behaviour.
Youths congregate at the site in the evenings and at weekends and have caused significant damage to the building.
The fence was suggested by police as a way to stop people accessing the rear of the grounds, and a planning application has been submitted by Nottinghamshire County Council.
Currently people at the back of the building are hidden from view by hedges on Rufford Avenue. Fires have been started behind the buildings, and people have been reported climbing on the roof.
Lead, cabling and a manhole cover have been stolen and numerous tiles have been broken.
Staff are concerned people could be on the premises when they lock up.
The beat officer for Ollerton, Pc Colin Oakley, thought a fence was needed to try to put a stop to the problems.
“This has been going on for years because the library is on the main road through the town and a natural place for people to gather,” he said.
“Generally it is not a problem but it is a classic case of a few people taking it upon themselves to spoil things for everybody else. Slates have been pulled off and there has been a lot of noise and vandalism.
“Over the years it has cost a lot of money repairing the damage. Obviously we don’t want it to look overly fortified, but it makes sense to have it at the rear of the building because there is no good reason for anyone to be there.
“We hope it will be done as sympathetically as possible.”
The area librarian for Newark and Sherwood, Clare Tobin, said: “The episodes of vandalism are low-level and usually occur at night, when the library is closed, but often result in the police being called.
“The fence would not only improve the safety of the building, but also increase the local neighbourhood safety by reducing the level of disturbance.”
The 2.4m tall wire fence would be around the Rufford Avenue side of the library if permission is granted. It is designed to be difficult to climb, and would replace timber fencing that has proved easy to scale.
