Canvey Island Library is closed until further notice due to severe flooding damage.

Water leaked in through the roof and the disabled toilet leaving the carpet sodden, breaking two computers and a printer and ruining some books. 

It reached 50cm high in some parts of the building. 

A structural engineer is assessing the extent of the damage, the safety of the building and the electrics.

A clear-up operation started today.

Contractors are repairing the roof leak and damage.

It is not known whether the Summer Reading Challenge, which starts this week, will be affected as at this stage it is unclear how long the library will remain shut.

There were no reports from schools of closures or damage, although some had already broken up for the summer holidays.

Essex Trading Standards is reminding people whose houses have been flooded not to give work to rogue traders seeking to take advantage of their misfortune. Residents are reminded to turn away cold callers offering to carry out repairs, to consult their insurance company before agreeing to any work and to use traders who are part of the Buy with Confidence scheme. Search “trading standards” on www.essex.gov.uk for details.

More thunder storms are forecast for Thursday and Friday.