STRUCTURAL problems have closed a town's library.

Burslem Library shut suddenly on Thursday and will remain closed until further notice for repair work.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council has vowed to regenerate the Grade II* listed building, at the Wedgwood Institute, on Queen Street, and customers have been told to use other libraries nearby in the meantime.

Councillor Hazel Lyth, pictured, portfolio holder for enterprise and culture at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "It is well-known that the Wedgwood Institute and Burslem Library are in need of long-term renovation, improvement and structural works.

"We are putting together proposals through the North Staffordshire Regeneration Partnership, together with the Burslem Regeneration Company, for the comprehensive regeneration of this building.

"The city council is committed to making best use of this building, which is an iconic symbol of both Burslem and Stoke-on-Trent.

"In the meantime we will assess how much short-term work is required to allow the library to re-open.

"We are unable to say what that work is and how much it would cost until we have made an assessment next week."

The regeneration of the building, which was built in 1869, has been welcomed by Burslem historian Fred Hughes, but he said the library should be moved to another building in the town while the work takes place.

He said: "It is okay the council saying the building is going to be subject to a regeneration project but the public want to see some evidence of this now. We want some plans to look at."

He said: "While I welcome the regeneration, the public has a right to a library and a new home for it should be found."

Ward councillor Mohammed Pervez said he will fight for the library to be kept in Burslem.

He said: "I am going to be asking for a meeting with officers to discuss the future of the library. We may have to look at alternative solutions, such as Ceramica, and explore options there."

Library staff have been re-deployed to other libraries.

Customers who normally use the library will be able to select and return books at either Tunstall Library, City Centre Library, in Hanley, or Haywood Library, in Burslem.

Books can also be returned to the mobile library which calls in the Smallthorne and High Lane areas. Renewals can also be made over the phone, by calling any of the city libraries, or via the council's website.

Any overdue charges will not apply to any items taken out from Burslem Librarywhich are due back during the closure period.