A decision has been made to close Wilton Library until further notice to allow assessment work to take place on the damaged ceiling that currently presents a safety risk to the visitors.

The building has been closed since 6 April and Wiltshire Council wants further assessment work to be carried out on the site to help inform a clearer timetable of the work that needs to be done before it can be reopened to the public.

Anyone who currently has a book out on loan from the library will have its return date automatically extended until the library re-opens.

Wiltshire Council is in the process of assessing whether alternative provision can be provided in the town, but for those who need a library service, their cards will be accepted at any Wiltshire library, with Salisbury being the closest to Wilton.

Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for libraries, said: “We are very sorry that Wilton community’s library is currently closed. This decision was necessary to ensure people’s safety while we plan and carry out these repairs.

“We are focused on reopening the library as soon as possible, and  shall have a clear timetable to achieve this very soon.

“In the meantime, we have a range of digital services that people can use, and of course anyone from Wilton will be very warmly welcomed at any of our other libraries should they wish to pay them a visit.

“Thank you to everyone for their patience.”