I WELCOME Ms Smith's letter from the Liberal Democrats expressing interest in improving the land adjacent to Timperley Metro station (SAM last week).

I agree it is regrettable that the trees have been chopped down, as they were a beautiful feature. I have written to Metrolink regarding this.

Some of the 'grot spots' identified by SAM and its readers recently have involved areas of land which were landscaped many, many years ago - such as this nature garden.

Sadly, there does not appear to have been any ongoing maintenance, which should have formed part of a development programme, planned at that time. We now see the consequences of this, with many open areas becoming quite run down and unsightly.

Hopefully, though, by working together with Metrolink, Railtrack and others we can improve the environment around the station.

I am also aware from a meeting of the Altrincham Area Board last week that Hale traders and civic society are also to improve Hale station and are also looking to work closely with Railtrack in refurbishing the station.

Our stations are part of our heritage and as such should be valued and I am hopeful that we can, by working together, improve and refurbish the stations for the benefit of the residents of Trafford.

Cllr Jane Baugh, Cabinet Member for Youth, Leisure, Culture and Community.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.