DRUG addicts using a library as a den to take illegal substances have sparked fury.

Police have even been forced to launch patrols in Nelson Library in a bid to crack down on the problem.

Managers at the Market Square library were alerted to the problem after a cleaner twice found ‘evidence’ of drug taking in the building.

They had come across suspicious ‘paraphernalia’ in one of the public toilets.

A record of every person who requests to use the bathroom is now being logged to try and find the culprits.

Keith Burrows, Lancashire County Council’s manager at Nelson Library, said: “In December, our cleaner found some items in the public toilet which she believed may have been used by someone taking drugs.

“The cleaner raised her concerns with me and I reported the matter to our police community support officer.

“As this is the second incident in the past six months, we have decided to keep a record of the name and library number of people who request the key for the toilet, which is kept locked.”

Mr Burrows added it was upsetting that people were taking advantage of the library.

He said: “Libraries are public buildings and from time to time, people will unfortunately abuse their hospitality. However, the measures we have put in place are designed to improve security and we will do everything we can to make sure the library’s users can use the facilities in safety and comfort.”

Andrew Stephenson, MP for Pendle, said he was concerned children may stumble upon the drug use.

He said: “It is shocking that people are doing this in a library.

“They are community hubs that attract many young people and children.

“We have had some significant investment in libraries in Pendle and so I am concerned about anything that puts people off using our libraries.

“We need to clamp down on activity like this.”

Coun Nadeem Ahmed, who represents the Whitefield ward, said there had been a strong police presence in the library aimed at stopping people secretly taking banned substances.

He said: “There have been some concerns raised about this issue.

“There was evidence that there was drug use within the library. They left behind some sort of evidence.

“The police presence within the library has put these people off coming to the library.”

Nick Emery, from the Nelson Town Centre Partnership, said he was disgusted drugs were being taken in a place where people should feel safe.

He said: “I think it is disgraceful, but it has not come as a shock.

“In the library, there are computers upstairs and people messing around on them, not just reading books.

“These days, with all of the equipment and things around, people can go in and do these things unseen.

“It is a horrible thing to happen in a place where people go for peace and quiet.

“Nowhere is safe anymore.”

Officers have asked anybody with information about drug use to come forward.

A police spokesman said patrols are being stepped up to tackle the issue.

He said: “Somebody from the library reported the issue to us. They said they had a bit of an issue with drugs and made a complaint.

“We have listed it as a priority for the area.”

Anybody with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.