Library users will have their due dates extended as a town library remains closed due to legionella.

A library spokesman said it may take a further two weeks before the results of tests carried out at Chantry Library are returned.

Until then the Hawthorn Drive site will continue to be closed. 

Users who have books loaned from the library should not worry about returning them said the spokesman.

The due date on books borrowed will be extended till the library is re-opened, alternatively, people can choose to deposit books through the collection box at the back of the library. 

A spokesperson said: "People can also use any other library, with the nearest being Stoke Library based at the high school. There are also other libraries in Ipswich – Ipswich County Library, Broomhill Library, Gainsborough and Rosehill.

"We apologise to customers for the inconvenience but we’ve been advised to keep the library closed until we have the results which confirm the treatment has been successful."

During a routine test last Tuesday, May 7, a bacteria called legionella was found in the waters of the site. 

The bacteria can cause a pneumonia-type illness called Legionnaires' disease and a mild flu-like illness called Pontiac fever. 

After consultations were held last Wednesday, it was decided that the site would indefinitely be closed to the public.

Last week the spokesman said: “On Tuesday we were advised of the results of a routine water test which revealed there is a risk that legionella bacteria could be present in the water supply in the toilets at Chantry Library.

"The toilets were immediately closed to customers. The café uses a separate filtered water supply and was not affected.

“We made immediate steps to prevent anyone accessing the affected water supply. The water is due to be treated on Thursday and will then be tested again.

“The health and wellbeing of our customers and staff is our top priority and whilst the library was open this morning, following further conversations with Suffolk County Council, we have been advised to close the library until the treatment and subsequent tests have been carried out.”