A LIBRARY which was forced to close after maggots fell through a rotten ceiling from a pigeon infestation in the attic is to reopen this weekend.

A clean-up operation has taken place at Heckmondwike Library, in Walkley Lane, in an effort to rid the building of both the pigeons and the maggots, which had been feasting on the dead birds.

Work has also taken place to prevent the pigeons gaining access to the roof space again, and to repair the ceiling through which the maggots fell.

A month ago Kirklees Council initially announced the library had closed “until further notice” following health and safety concerns.

But it quickly became apparent that it was due to a pigeon infestation, and a local councillor confirmed that a number of dead birds in the attic space had caused a problem with maggots, with larvae dropping through the ceiling and on to staff below.

At the time Councillor Steve Hall (Lab, Heckmondwike) said: “It is the dead birds which have been causing the problems.

“What happened is one or two maggots dropped down from the ceiling on to members of staff.

“It’s not acceptable for this to be happening to staff or members of the public which is why we’ve closed the library.

“I don’t know the extent of the cleaning work that will need to be done, but I’ve been told the attic space is pretty bad.

“One of the explanations that has been put forward for this happening is because it has been so hot recently, but why that is acceptable as an excuse I have no idea, this kind of thing should never be happening.

“I don’t know the timescale of the cleaning work at the moment, the problem with the attic space is it’s so rotten I don’t know how they are going to be able to get someone up there to clean. I’ve no idea how long the library is going to be shut for.”

Cllr Hall yesterday confirmed to the Telegraph & Argus that the work had now been carried out and the library was due to reopen its doors to the public on Friday.

A spokesman for the Council said “Whilst it was regrettable we had to close for necessary building work, we are looking forward to opening our doors again and welcoming our customers.”

At the time of the closure the Council said: “Heckmondwike Library is currently closed whilst work is undertaken to secure the roof and remove a pigeon infestation.

“The Council are working with our contractors to ensure that this takes place as soon as possible.

“We would like to thank our customers for their patience whilst this issue is resolved.”

In 2015 the library was at risk of closure as the Council undertook a cost-saving programme.

The Friends of Heckmondwike Library group was started by campaigners to try and save the library, and a petition signed by 2,498 people objecting to plans to close the library or sell the building was also handed to the Council.

When a decision was made later that year, the Council decided to spare the library, and also keep it fully staffed, although its opening hours have been reduced.