Winton library dubbed 'risk to public safety' by engineers

Documents show Winton Library in Wimborne Road is suffering from “severe” cracking of the brickwork, the access ramp is a “trip hazard” and the handrail is now “unstable”. 

But Tony Currie, facilities manager at BCP Council, revealed structural engineers found problems in 2019, but “budgetary constraints” have prevented repairs taking place. 

Stephen Back, a structural engineer based in Poole, found numerous problems, including the access ramp’s concrete slab being a “potential trip hazard”. 

Winton Library in Wimborne Road (Image: Daily Echo)

He added: “The steel lintel located over the present main entrance door opening appears to be corroded for the majority of its length.  

“Exfoliation of the embedded steel and the resulting expansive forces are almost certainly the cause of the ‘moderate’ to ‘severe’ cracking of the external face brickwork noted at and above each lintel bearing.” 

He added: “The handrail fixing immediately to the left of the main entrance door has failed. The adjacent handrail and balustrading is unstable.” 

Following Mr Back’s findings, BCP’s Mr Currie concluded in a report that the state of the library is now a “risk to the safety of the general public”. 

The building is being propped up (Image: Daily Echo)

He added: “Temporary remedial works have already taken place, including localised repairs and propping to leave the entrance safe, but due to budgetary constraints, a full programme of permanent repairs has been delayed.” 

Having opened in October 1907, the building was Bournemouth’s first permanent purpose-built library on land donated by Lord Leven and paid for by Andrew Carnegie. 

Throughout the years since, the library has gone through various repairs and redevelopment – including being given listed consent in 1976. 

Cllr Andy Martin, BCP Council’s portfolio holder for customer, communications and culture, said: “Winton Library is a thriving community library and very popular with local residents.

"Wriggle and Rhyme sessions on Friday mornings regularly attract over 20 parents with their babies, and there is a programme of crafts, treasure hunts and talks through the summer holiday to support the Marvellous Makers Summer Reading Challenge.

“Repairs to the building will ensure that this remarkable Carnegie library is fit for purpose and can welcome customers of all ages for years to come.”