A low-carbon library – said to be the first of its kind in London – has opened in Elm Park. The library in St Nicholas Avenue was officially opened on Monday. Cabinet Member for Finance and Commerce, Councillor Roger Ramsey, said: I think the library i

A low-carbon library - said to be the first of its kind in London - has opened in Elm Park.

The library in St Nicholas Avenue was officially opened on Monday.

Cabinet Member for Finance and Commerce, Councillor Roger Ramsey, said: "I think the library is marvellous for the people in Elm Park, and it is our seventh library re-furbishment, but it is probably the most substantial because it has been completely

re-built."

The library, which cost �823,000, features solar panels generating half of the electricity used by the building.

The library's walls are made from re-cycled paper and the building also has a 'living roof' made from sedun moss to prevent flooding and to attract wildlife.

Cllr Ramsey said: "We have found that having new facilities like this one makes people respond in a positive way and it makes people see their community in a whole new light and begin to appreciate the library."

The new library was built on the site of the old building, which was demolished. It includes a children's area, a meeting room and an outside area.

Last year the new library won a Havering Business Award for Sustainable Design and Construction.

Cllr Ramsey said: "We are hoping that the new library will encourage young people to use the library facilities more and to start to take more of an interest in the environment and global warming.