THE Friends of Altrincham Town Hall group is concerned for historic features of the building when development plans get underway.

The group voiced its worries after a second meeting with Cllr Bernice Garlick and Lester Caldwell, head of construction services.

Also present were representatives of the Civic Society, the Chamber of Commerce and the National Trust.

The outcome was informative but once again disappointing as far as the group was concerned.

Cllr Garlick announced that the consultant Drivers Jonas is preparing an advertising document aimed at interested developers and entitled 'Altrincham Town Centre: two exceptional town centre opportunities' ie Altrincham Town Hall and Regent Road car park. Proposals will be accepted for both sites combined or in isolation.

The document will be ready in early September and the council is expecting expressions of interest between October and December, with the hope of having a preferred partner by January 2003. Applicants will get a further information pack on request for £50 to £100 per copy that will be available to the public in the library.

Archaeological issues arising from the development of the car park area to the rear of the town hall will be dealt with as part of the planning procedure.

All those present recognised that the town hall is unsatisfactory as a place of work in its present condition and that the council should seek innovative solutions to the interior of the building.

However, the Friends group was dismayed by the council's refusal to insert a clear conservation statement into the further information pack and is concerned for the stained glass, the panelling, staircase and council chamber. The council has rejected a request from the Altrincham Area Board held on July 2 "to preserve the architectural and historic features of the town hall."

The council's policy is "to receive schemes which seek to incorporate certain features of the town hall, but possibly in a new setting." A new setting could be a different building altogether, which the Friends would strenuously oppose.

It was also disappointing for the Friends that the National Trust's restrictive covenants could not be discussed because negotiations had already begun for their removal. The Friends still hope the National Trust will have a positive role in the development of the town hall.

There was some anxiety about the condition of Watling Gate House in Leys Road, Timperley, where some of the items from the old art gallery, museum and library have been stored since the 1970s. The building is in a neglected condition and being vandalised. Concern was expressed about this and for the safety of its contents. Cllr Garlick promised to look into this and to call another meeting when the further information pack is ready.