A library housed in a fire-ravaged mansion is set to open again tomorrow as a forensic investigation continues into the cause of the blaze.

Firefighters battled flames for hours on Tuesday morning to save a council-owned historic mansion, Ewell Court House, which is at the heart of the local community.

Surrey County Council's website announced today that the library would open as normal tomorrow, despite the fact that a large part of the roof of the Grade-II listed building has fallen in and a chimney needs to be demolished for safety reasons.

The website said: "Please be aware that the building has security guards on site as a forensic investigation is underway. We apologise for any inconvenience caused."

A council spokeswoman said the library and property services as well as officers responsible for insurance, IT and legal matters would be working on the issue.

She said: "They are all cautious about saying until it’s certain. There’s some water damage. It has to be assessed and there are no figures."

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Councillor Eber Kington said initially the library was thought to have suffered water damage because no-one was allowed inside but he believed in fact it has not been damaged.  

Coun Kington said: “I’m delighted, it’s brilliant. From my point of view the community are back in the house, albeit only in part of it. It’s symbolic. We are getting back in there again.”

Last night Ewell Court Residents' Association moved its meeting to Ruxley Church and bingo relocated to Old Haileyburians sports club.

He said: "It's good to know the local places that have got rooms are willing to take these people in."

More than two years after a controversial plan to run the library with volunteers was approved, its permanent paid staff have left but volunteers have not been able to take over.

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Councillor Eber Kington (left) at a protest to save the library in 2011

Staff from neighbouring libraries have had to be drafted in to provide cover and, prior to the fire, volunteers were told they could not start work until library renovations were carried out.

As of last month a date had still not been set to do the work.

Ewell Court Library users can also return their books to any library in Surrey including Bourne Hall in Spring Street, Ewell.

For further updates visit: www.surreycc.gov.uk/people-and-community/libraries/libraries-in-surrey/libraries-and-opening-times/ewell-court-library