The brand new Pollards Hill Library is all set to open next month despite being broken into last night.

Thieves stole a quantity of computer and IT equipment valued at over £10,000 having broken into the library building through a secure entrance. Although a temporary setback, final phase construction work will not be affected.

Merton Council is working with the police and the construction company to bring the perpetrators to justice and to ensure that the library will open next month as planned with an official launch scheduled for October.

Merton Council cabinet member for housing and community services Councillor Linda Scott said: ‘I am very angry that this has happened. This is such a selfish act, but I am confident that the people of Pollards Hill will bear with us while we work to ensure their library opens in August with all the technology in place. We want to reassure residents that these criminals will not have the last say and that we are very much looking forward to officially celebrating this wonderful new resource with a special launch event on 1 October.’

Anyone with information should call the Pollards Hill Safer Neighbourhoods Team on 020 8649 3604 or, in confidence, Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

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