LIFT access at Clydebank Library will be out of bounds for up to three months as refurbishment works are carried out.

As of Monday service users with mobility issues have been asked by West Dunbartonshire Council to use Dalmuir Library, while the restoration is completed.

Works are being carried out as part of a £500,000 project to upgrade the building and improve its access –including making sure the lift can stop at all floors.

Scott Dickson, project coordinator at Clyde Shopmobility, was encouraged by the council’s efforts to make the library more mobility friendly but expressed concern that residents will have to travel to Dalmuir in the meantime.

He said: “The library is quite an important resource, especially for older people. It’s an opportunity for local people to go out.

“If there’s no access to it then people can’t go there. Someone who has a disability can’t travel far and they have to plan ahead. Someone who isn’t accustomed to going to Dalmuir might struggle to get there.

“Someone who can’t walk at all essentially can’t use Clydebank Library. Only people with mild disabilities can use it, which excludes a lot of people – but it’s an old library.”

Mr Dickson described the library as “an essential part of the community” and added: “It should be a priority for the council to make it more disability friendly.”

A spokeswoman for West Dunbartonshire Council said the authority is committed to putting people with mobility issues at the forefront of any improvements.

She said: “The council apologises to Mr Dickson and other members with mobility issues for the temporary disruption during the extensive refurbishment works at Clydebank Library.

“We would like to reassure them though that this exciting £500,000 investment project will improve access and movement within the library by enabling the lift to access all floors for the first time.

“We’re confident that once complete the works will improve the visitor experience for all members – and particularly members with mobility issues – and help to increase engagement with the local community.

“We’ve done everything we can to minimise the disruption during the works and members with mobility issues can still access library services one mile away at Dalmuir Library and also use the housebound service.”

“We also offer an extensive ebook and e-magazine offer for anyone with computer access. If anyone has any further issues we would encourage them to contact our library team so we can find practical solutions.

“The council is committed to improving access to all its building for visitors with mobility issues.”