Eastbourne Library is to reopen on Friday morning (September 11) after the discovery of bedbugs had forced its closure earlier in the week.

The library was forced to lose on Tuesday (September 8) ‘due to a health and safety incident’.

But East Sussex County Council (ESCC) has confirmed the facility will reopen at 10am on Friday.

An ESCC spokesperson said on Wednesday (September 9): “Eastbourne Library is closed following the discovery of a small number of bedbugs.

Eastbourne library has been forced to close after bedbugs were discovered. Photo: contributed

placeholder image — Eastbourne library has been forced to close after bedbugs were discovered. Photo: contributed

“We are working with contractors to treat the affected areas and hope to be able to reopen the library early next week.

“We apologise for the inconvenience and, whilst the library remains closed, would encourage residents to use our online services or visit Hampden Park library.”

Bedbugs are small insects that can hide in many small places, including on bed frames, mattresses, clothing, furniture, behind pictures and under loose wallpaper.

While their bites can be itchy, they do not usually cause other health problems according to the NHS.