A CAMPAIGN group has celebrated the first birthday of scaffolding on Redditch Library, which has cost more than £20,000, it has been revealed.

‘Hands Off Redditch Library’, a non-political campaign group has held a ‘first birthday party’ for scaffolding that was put up a year ago.

Campaigners have questioned why the scaffolding is still around the library.

A spokesperson for the group said: “The scaffolding was originally put up to do some tests on the building, but the tests have been done now, so why is the scaffolding still there?”

It is understood that the scaffolding was originally constructed as a safety measure as there were concrete defects identified in the building.

A Freedom of Information request submitted by one of the ‘Hands off Redditch Library’ members has revealed that as of May 31, £20,139.72 has been spent on the scaffolding.

Councillor Marcus Hart, cabinet member for communities at Worcestershire County Council, said: “The scaffolding being in place has allowed for investigation work to identify the source of the problem, the extent of it and potential solutions.

“The investigation work is now complete and has identified that remedial work on the building is required.

“The scaffolding at Redditch Library is acting as a safety measure, creating a ‘safety net’ on the exterior of the building to prevent pedestrians walking under areas that are in need of repair.”