ALTON Town Council has expressed serious concern over the state of the town's old library building. Boarded up and in a state of collapse, the former Nissen hut is awaiting demolition to make way for a 12-unit development of first- time buyer or young executive-style homes. According to a spokesman for former owner Hampshire County Council, the site was handed over to Fleet-based developer Saysar Construction Ltd on December 28. Redundant following the construction on part of the site of a new library, the old building is to be replaced by two three-storey blocks of flats. But the process is taking a long time. Since the official opening of Alton's new library in October 2005, the old building has been left to rot. According to deputy town clerk Greg Burt, not only has the building become a graffiti- covered eyesore, but it now represents a real health and safety hazard. Some of the boarding has been kicked in and inside it is a mess of broken glass, hanging electrical wiring, exposed roofing material, discarded bottles and cans. There have already been fears expressed over the possible presence of asbestos on the site and Mr Burt is anxious for the safety of anyone entering the building. He told The Herald: "There is clear evidence that the building is now being used, probably by youngsters, as a place to drink and get up to no good. It is a catalyst for anti-social behaviour." While Mr Burt has notified Hampshire County Council of the fact that the building is now open to vandalism and has been told that his message will be passed on to the developer, at the time of going to press there was no sign of any attempt to rectify the situation.
