Rishton Library has been hit with a barrage of anti-social behaviour which culminated in the building being vandalised.

Employees at the library say they have faced abuse by a group of young people which culminated in the windows being smashed at the end of last week.

Workers at the library, on High Street, said they had to make numerous complaints across several months after persistent disturbances.

Additional reports included a door being kicked in and the library introduced security staff at the start of July.

Cllr Peter Buckley, cabinet member for community and cultural services, Lancashire County Council, said: “Unfortunately, Rishton Library has been subject to a campaign of anti-social behaviour and criminality over several months.

"We want to make clear that we will not tolerate assaults, physical or verbal, against our staff and no amount of anti-social behaviour against our library staff or the building.

"We are working actively with the police and targeted youth services to manage the situation at Rishton Library.

"We are also continuing to support our staff, who should never have to deal with this sort of behaviour."

In 2017, council chiefs overturned a decision to make the building ‘surplus to requirements’ ending two years of uncertainty over its fate.

A petition to save Rishton Library attracted hundreds of supporters and ultimately persuaded the council to reopen it with pressure to find volunteers.  

One contributor on Facebook said: “At this rate there won’t be a library in Rishton, which won’t bother the vandals as they never use it, but a lot of people rely on the computer facilities in there and are in danger of missing out.”

In 2022 the council released its libraries strategy and aimed to encourage more community cohesion but constant disturbances mean many now fear visiting the space.

The police have been contacted for comment.