A SECURITY guard was allegedly attacked with an iron bar and taser at Willagee library and out-of-control children are terrorising staff and customers.

The incidents have resulted in Melville council deciding to close the library at 3pm weekdays, and remove the guard.

Council CEO Shayne Silcox says the change has been “necessary for the safety of both our staff and customers”.

“A security guard was hired for a two-week period prior to reducing the library’s opening hours, however this did not assist with improving the behavioural problems that were occurring,” Dr Silcox says.

A local resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, told the Chook the guard had been attacked with an iron bar.

“Every day after school, kids are abusing staff at the library and causing havoc,” he says. “They range from year sixes to high school, and hang around the library and the nearby shops.

“Anti-social behaviour has been getting worse and worse, and a few weeks ago all the cars in Jackman and Arkwell street had their tyres slashed.”

While taking a photo of the Archibald Street library, Herald photographer Matthew Dwyer was approached by a child who boasted he had thrown a brick through the window. He told Mr Dwyer the guard had been tasered.

The library is across the road from Caralee community school and is near Melville senior high school.

WA education department spokeswoman Ella Garland says the department is aware of an alleged incident at the library involving “poor behaviour” by a Melville SHS student.

“The school is working with the city of Melville and library staff to resolve the issue,” she says.

Caralee principal Trevor Anderson says the after-school homework program has been moved from the library to the school site.

Meanwhile, the council has applied for a grant so it can appoint a youth engagement officer to work in Willagee.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK