DAMAGE to a "cherished" community facility in Great Malvern has left a county councillor "shocked and saddened".

The grade two-listed Malvern Library building in Graham Road, which was opened in 1906, has been targeted in a "lead theft incident from the roof".

It led to the registration services department having to be temporarily relocated and children's books also being moved.

Malvern Trinity county councillor Natalie McVey, who was service development manager for Worcestershire's libraries up until three years ago, said: "I am shocked and saddened to hear that this has happened.

"Malvern Library is a well-used and cherished community facility and I am upset that it has been targeted in this way.

"It's reassuring that most services can be delivered as usual and I would like to thank Emma (Powell), the library manager, and her team for their resilience and positivity."

Councillor Marcus Hart, county council cabinet member with responsibility for communities, said: "Malvern Library remains open and the county council has implemented measures to safeguard the structure from further damage.

"We are actively cooperating with local police in their ongoing investigation into the lead theft incident from the library roof.

"We have made some adjustments and efforts have been made to mitigate the impact on library services with children's books being relocated to ensure continued availability.

"Our registration team based within the library liaised with customers to rearrange appointments at alternative venues during the earlier part of last week.

"From Thursday, December 14, Malvern Registration Services will be temporarily relocated and able to offer appointments from a different location within the library.

"Signage will be available to direct customers to the team."

West Mercia Police had not provided a comment as the Gazette went to press.

According to the Historic England website, the building has a "plain tile roof".

An open competition was organised for the design of the building which was won by Henry A Crouch with James Herbert appointed as builder.

The foundation stone was laid in February 1905 and the library opened by Catherine Dyson Perrins in May 1906.

The library was restored in 1967 with an extension to the ground floor and basement added to the east side in 2005 which replaced and extended additions of 69 years previously.