IT IS supposed to be a place of quiet relaxation, but the peace of Hull's Central Library is being shattered by a gang of troublemakers.
After complaints from fed-up library users, police and council officers have pledged to tackle the problem.
Sergeant Rob Danby, of the city centre's neighbourhood policing team, said: "We have had a range of issues at the library, including complaints about the behaviour and language of young people who have been using the IT facilities.
"It is only a small group, but their presence has been putting off ordinary library users.
"We have also had issues with a group of street drinkers who are congregating on the wall outside the library, which can be intimidating for people.
"You also have potentially vulnerable young people going in, who could potentially clash with these hardened street drinkers."
Humberside Police and Hull City Council are seeking four antisocial behaviour orders to ban persistent troublemakers from the site and have sent warning letters to five others.
CCTV has also been installed at the entrance to the Albion Street library to catch offenders on camera.
A youngster signed up to an acceptable behaviour contract for causing problems in and around the library.
Sgt Danby said: "The Asbo would be the last resort for us, after sending warning letters for parents and getting them to sign acceptable behaviour contracts.
"We would be looking to perhaps put a condition on the Asbo for them to not go to the library, but that would be the last action for us.
"The library is a learning facility and we don't want to have to stop people from going there."
The street drinkers have also been causing problems outside the Maritime Museum in Queen Victoria Square.
Sgt Danby said: "All of the city centre is a no-drinking zone so, if they are seen drinking alcohol, we can seize it or use a section 27 notice to force them to leave the area for 48 hours.
"Street drinking and begging are two of the biggest issues we have in the city centre and remain a priority for us."
Justine Mortimer, neighbourhood nuisance manager at the city council, said officers are working to address the issues.
She said: "We received complaints from library visitors and staff about a very small minority of people causing a nuisance.
"The council and partner agencies worked together to address their concerns, which resulted in informal warnings and letters being issued.
"To ensure the library continues to be a safe and peaceful place, we will continue to monitor the situation and take any action as necessary."
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