THE doors of Charmouth Library are closed this week - but thanks to volunteers it will not be permanent.

The library was closed on Monday for building work to begin following the transfer of the freehold from Dorset County Council to the Friends of Charmouth Library.

Once it is re-opened on February 28, it will be officially handed over from the county council to Charmouth Central, a limited company set up specifically to take on the freehold.

Friends say despite the temporary inconvenience of the library being closed for over a month, this could have been the permanent situation if Charmouth volunteers had not agreed to take on the responsibility.

Chairman Hazel Robinson said: “Although it's a nuisance, it really does bring home to us all that this could have been exactly what we would have had to face for the future, instead of which we’ll soon be able to use the library again just as we always have.”

Scaffolding for roof repairs is going up this week and the library has been cleared of all internal fixtures and books.

The asbestos vinyl tiles are being removed this week, followed by the installation of a new central heating system and re-decoration inside and out.

The building will officially become Charmouth Central in early February when new fascias are put up.

Books cannot be returned while the library is closed but can be taken to any other Dorset library.

Anyone who can help with decorating and other practical tasks is asked to contact Mrs Robinson on 01297 561214 or hazelrosery@aol.com.

The Friends’ bank balance is looking very healthy this month as £50,000 has been deposited.

The volunteer group made a successful grant bid to the Big Lottery Fund's Village SOS scheme and the funding has now been released.