Warning as bedbug outbreak spreads to library as parents and children forced to leave immediately
A WARNING has been issued after a bedbug outbreak spread to library – forcing parents and children to leave immediately.
Cities across the UK are bracing for an invasion of “super-bedbugs” from Paris, where they have run rampant.
Ealing Central Library in west London was evacuated on Monday after staff found a “pest infestation”.
Book lovers were turned away from the library yesterday while experts sprayed chairs with bug-zapping chemicals.
A sign on its front door read: “Due to a pest infestation, we have temporarily removed soft furnishings from public use.
“These seats are currently being treated with pest control chemicals.
“These chemicals will be applied while the library is closed and are safe for children and adults.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
Ealing Council confirmed that there had been a bedbug outbreak at the library.
One pensioner said a librarian ordered them to leave over the tannoy on Monday afternoon.
They told the Independent: “It was all very strange we’ve never been turfed out like that so quickly.
“Everyone on the computers had to leave.”
Mum-of-one Louise Hamilton said that she was turned away when she arrived to return her child’s Harry Potter book on Tuesday.
She said: “They always tell us when we are late handing things back but we have heard nothing.
“I understand it is stressful but everyone is arriving confused as to what is going on.”
Ealing Council said: “There were concerns expressed by library staff, which we have addressed by temporarily closing the library.
“The council is working closely with the corporate health and safety and the in-house pest control teams.
“Despite the treatments being safe, the council has decided to temporarily close the library to avoid concerns that library users and library staff might be having.”
It comes after bedbugs invaded the London Underground – with a skin-crawling clip showing critters jumping on a woman’s leg.
A solicitor says you could win £4,500 in compensation if bed bugs ruin your holiday.