ALTRINCHAM’S £16,000 monolith has been branded a ‘vanity project’ – but the council claims it underpins its commitment to investing in the town centre.

A monolith gateway marker was recently unveiled outside Altrincham Interchange, in the middle of Stamford New Road.

The four-metre metal slab, inscribed ‘Altrincham Market Town 1290’ (year of establishment), forms part of a wider multi-million pound transformation project for Altrincham town centre.

In response to a Freedom Of Information (FOI) request querying costs, Martin Ledson, town centres manager for Trafford Town Council, revealed that £15,232 had been forked out for the structure.

The cost to erect the monolith was £790 – bringing the total to more than £16,000.

According to the FOI response, the works were funded through a variety of sources, including TfGM Growth Funds, developer contributions and council environmental improvement funds.

Altrincham resident Kevin Parker, who lodged the FOI request, said: “From an outsider looking in, it would seem a complete lack of foresight or financial control in which key services are being reduced or removed completely whilst a vanity project has been signed off for dubious purpose or reasons.

“I would assume Trafford Council will cite a consultation was undertaken but is this expenditure more worthwhile than other key services to the local community? During the consultation was the question asked, ‘do you want this monolith whilst reducing other key services/special needs?’”.

Kevin said he found it ‘concerning’ that Trafford Council’s limited funds are being allocated to such projects, considering local authorities are feeling the squeeze from central government.

The council announced it had to be make savings of £22.6million as part of its 2016/17 budget.

“Recent media coverage on Trafford Council’s failings include not being able to empty litter bins in Altrincham or provide a long term solution to litter management, a delay in concluding school transport for special needs children, and the closure of Citizens Advice centres and other key services,” said Kevin.

“In addition, Trafford Council has recently been challenged for their poor performance by the Statements of Special Educational Needs.

“Perhaps this is what level of service we should now expect from a council who are working on limited funds with pressures and expectations from the local community? Is there a limited amount of funds that has to be split across the region and all services?”

Trafford Council said the latest phase of the town centre transformation is underway, following ‘wide consultation’.

The spokesperson added: “A gateway marker has been installed on Stamford New Road. This is one of several new pieces of street furniture and significant public realm improvements which are underway, all part of the council’s commitment to improvement and investing in its town centres to ensure they remain vibrant, attractive environments for locals and visitors to enjoy.”