Faults with dozens of free-to-access computers in Redbridge libraries caused by an anti-virus software update are due to be fixed today.

Redbridge Council said the failure, which caused intermittent problems for about 60 of its 160 library computers for visitors, was caused by a systems crash during a software update.

The failure was first reported on December 19 when certain computers at some libraries went down.

Isabel Henriquez said she has been unable to use the computers at South Woodford Library, High Road, South Woodford since that date.

Its computers, together with those at Woodford Green Library, Snakes Lane West, Woodford Green, were taken out of order because they were working intermittently.

Other intermittent computer failures in the lead-up to Christmas were reported at Wanstead Library, Spratt Hall Road, Wanstead; Fullwell Cross Library, High Street, Barkingside and Gants Hill Library, Cranbrook Road, Gants Hill.

These three libraries all reported computer problems as recently as yesterday.

A spokesman said: “All libraries will have working computers by the end of today.

“In addition, all public internet computers across all libraries will be checked and their software updated to try to prevent any further issues arising, this should be complete by end of Wednesday next week.”

She added: “Our ICT team is analysing the fault with the anti-virus updates to try to prevent this from happening again.”

She said no cost has been incurred by the council for the fault as its in-house ICT department has been tasked with fixing the problem.

The free to use computers at Redbridge Central Library, Clements Road, Ilford; Hainault Library, Manford Way, Hainault; Seven Kings Library, High Road, Seven Kings; Aldersbrook Library, Park Road, Wanstead and the Keith Axon Centre, Grove Road, Chadwell Heath were unaffected by the glitch.