Airborne mould spores that forced a Southland District Council building to close for more than six months have been eliminated.
The latest testing confirmed the contamination issues had been resolved. Photo: RNZ / Ian Telfer
The council's library in Winton was forced to close in May when mould and fungal contamination was discovered.
Council customer delivery group manager Trudie Hurst said the latest testing confirmed the contamination issues had been resolved, but it was not the end of the issue.
"The building itself has passed all environmental testing and now we need to cost the necessary remedial work in order to return it to being a usable public space," she said.
"We had to find the source of the contamination and that required some robust stripping of the interior. So now we are in the process of discussing the repairs with Council with the aim of ensuring the building is reopened to a modern standard."
The majority of the library's book collection had been tested and was fine to return to the temporary library, Ms Hurst said.
The town's RSA hall will continue as the temporary library and office.
"The support we have received during this challenging time has been fantastic and we thank everyone for their patience," she said.
"We've been absolutely focused on trying to make the best of the situation by continuing to provide a great service for our community."
