Ref. 29460-18A LIBRARY has had to take drastic measures to prevent youngsters causing trouble among its bookshelves.

Liden Library in Liden Community Centre has locked its doors and is now operating a ticket-only entry system because children as young as eight have been pushing over shelves of books and running riot.

People without library cards are not allowed to use the library.

These measures have been taken following anti-social incidents involving gangs of children aged between 10 and 18.

Library manager Sue Hatt said: "I think it's tragic that we are having to take such steps. It really is sad.

"Librarians are having to police the door rather than focus on doing their jobs.

"We've had children in here in tears because they are so scared of the other kids and they genuinely want to use the library.

"When some of these kids come in with their parents they behave themselves it's just when they're in gangs that the problems start."

The library staff attach a sign to the door and lock it whenever large groups of children gather in the square outside. They then only let in children who can show their library card.

The sign reads: "Due to anti-social behaviour of some 10 to 18-year-olds this door is locked.

"If you are within that age group you are only allowed in if you have a valid library card or are with a parent.

"We do not allow more than four youths in at any one time."

Mrs Hatt added: "We are a large library with only two members of staff working at any one time so when it does get busy, it can be really hard to control the troublemakers.

"This is the only way we can think of handling the situation."

Mrs Hatt has been manager of the library for three years and says it has always been dogged by trouble of some sort, although this is the first year the doors have had to be locked.

"It seems to come and go but ever since Christmas it's been particularly bad.

"Hopefully now that we have this system in place and the evenings are starting to get lighter the problem will get better. We want to stop it before it really gets nasty."

Community beat officer PC John Brixey is aware of the problems and is working to arrange extra patrols and would ideally like to see a youth club in the area.

He said: "The incidents all seem to happen between 4pm and 6pm after school so we want to get more officers out there at these times.

"Visibility is usually a good deterrent in these situations. If I can make a nuisance of myself among these youths then hopefully they will stop making a nuisance of themselves in the community and it will be a job well done."

Emma-Kate Lidbury